Mothering
Teaching children compassion
Occasionally, I rerun important posts, especially when something a reader writes reminds me of a previous post - like this one. Also, a year has gone by since I published this and our economy is starting to take a downturn. We need to prepare our children for a future in...May 17, 2008 - 9:24 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
How much is a mother's job worth?
Kari sent me the link to this very fun Mother's Salary Wizard Thanks, Kari!...May 17, 2008 - 9:14 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Having a baby in your forties - revisited
Thanks to all the moms who comment here - you are changing lives and giving hope where sometimes in today's culture hope is hard to find. This mom read your comments at Having another baby in your forties and left this comment. I've moved it here for encouragement and prayers....May 16, 2008 - 4:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Bless your children every morning
Yesterday got off to a great start for me. After putting my kids on the bus, I drove to the Lovettsville Library to share the Montessori approach to reading. One thing we touched on was the need not to feel overwhelmed by trying to implement a whole program, but just...May 16, 2008 - 7:52 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Elisabeth Elliot on motherhood
If you are a mom who needs encouragement that your work has meaning - and if you only have time to read one thing today - please make it this. It's long, so you'll need to click below to read the most inspirational part. You might want to save this...May 15, 2008 - 5:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (7) | TrackBack
When the mom/teacher role doesn't work
I'm rushing out the door this morning, but there's a topic I've wanted to bring up for a while. It came up in a discussion I was having with another mom the other day, and I want us all to hear a variety of thoughts on this topic - When...May 14, 2008 - 8:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (13) | TrackBack
Montessori principles working at home
If a picture is worth a thousand words, then 76 of your pictures are worth 76,000 of mine. Enjoy! Following is the introduction to the above album. For comments on each picture, go here. Children love to work! The secret to having a happy, contented child is simple: an environment...May 13, 2008 - 9:18 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Montessori Monday - oops! but now it's fixed
For those reading Montessori Mondays - and linking: While I was using Mr. Linky to provide links for other moms, I didn't realize that there was another step I needed to take when you all linked to your own Montessori ideas. Now I know and have taken care of the...May 13, 2008 - 8:57 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Montessori Monday - sensitive periods
I know a lot of you are applying the Montessori exercises we share here and at other blogs to help your child reap the educational benefits. Far beyond the immediate results though - improved pincer grasp, eye-hand coordination, concentration skills - is the greater gift your understanding of Montessori...May 12, 2008 - 9:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
The Hand That Rocks the Cradle
The Hand That Rocks The Cradle Is the Hand That Rules the World Blessings on the hand of women! Angels guard its strength and grace, In the palace, cottage, hovel, Oh, no matter where the place; Would that never storms assailed it, Rainbows ever gently curled; For the hand...May 11, 2008 - 9:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBack
A Tribute to Dr. William and Martha Sears
Dear Bill and Martha - You have been the inspiration for many, many changed lives. Your work helping us see a better way to raise our children has made us not only better parents, but better people. You have gentled our spirits and deepened our capacity to love and...May 11, 2008 - 7:54 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Every Mother's a Working Mother
My article at Crosswalk.com for Mother's Day: Every Mother’s a Working Mother Barbara Curtis, Contributing Writer May 5, 2008 It was the kind of splendid September day when sending kids to school just feels wrong. Fortunately, that year I was homeschooling and calling the shots. Plus we were living in...May 9, 2008 - 9:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Do you need to forgive your mom?
Hi Barbara, Time and again I read in your comment box about women and their moms and broken relationships. As you know, I have struggled for years with my own relationship with my mom. God has really been working in my heart on this for a long time, and...May 9, 2008 - 11:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Harvard prof says children bring unhappiness
From today's UK Telegraph - a Harvard professor declares that children ruin our chances at happiness: Marriage without children the key to bliss By Kate Devlin, Medical Correspondent May 9, 2008 Married life is the key to happiness, but having children can ruin it all, an international conference has been...May 9, 2008 - 9:49 AM | Permalink | Comments (7) | TrackBack
Another good reason to breastfeed: smarter kids
Hot off the press: Breast-feeding may boost children's IQ Study provides new evidence that nursing makes kids smarter WASHINGTON - A new study provides some of the best evidence to date that breast-feeding can make children smarter, an international team of researchers said. Children whose mothers breast-fed them longer...May 6, 2008 - 12:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (15) | TrackBack
Vaccines - make an informed decision - Part 2
In Vaccines - Part 1, I provided some personal historical perspective to show why parents should not blindly follow the medical establishment's current vaccination protocol. In previous posts I've shared the history of xray machines being used in children's shoe stores before the longterm effects of radiation were understood. Through...May 1, 2008 - 9:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (5) | TrackBack
Vaccines - make an informed decision - Part 1
Continuing our discussion of vaccinations, I have a personal story to share: My first daughter Samantha Sunshine was born in 1969. Always questioning the status quo, I researched natural childbirth and breastfeeding. These are freedoms new mothers now take for granted, but in those days the medical establishment wasn't having...May 1, 2008 - 8:19 AM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBack
Freedom vs Protection - thinking it over
My son Zach (20) first asked me what my readers and I thought of this article. I didn't post it then, but when I got a second request from Kari, I thought maybe you all would like to comment: Why I Let My 9-Year-Old Ride the Subway Alone Posted on...April 29, 2008 - 5:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (20) | TrackBack
National Wear Your Apron Day - May 12
Kitchen Madonna has a byline that reads Let this kitchen be a place where those who hunger may be fed as much with love and understanding as with bread Isn't that a beautiful thought? In announcing National Wear Your Apron Day, she writes: Aprons mean service. They mean giving and...April 29, 2008 - 4:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
How to choose a Montessori school
Barbara, My family will be moving to the San Antonio area within the next year so I have begun looking at my options for schooling. I have been looking at several Montessori preschools in the area, and one question keeps popping into my head. What should I be looking for...April 26, 2008 - 4:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Working through your history with your mom
Received this from a reader and asked to share it. Thought it would make for some good conversation and insights: My mother was here (from the Midwest where I grew up) and it was driving me crazy the way she kept interfering with my parenting and stepping in on discipline...April 25, 2008 - 9:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
The Mom Song from Go Fish - fun and inspiration
Oh my goodness, you all - you will love this! Go Fish just posted their MOM song to YouTube. You will want to watch this with your kids - and download to play in your laundry room or when you need a little more oomph: Many thanks to my friend...April 24, 2008 - 9:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (9) | TrackBack
Tribute to Dr. Sears and Martha - deadline tomorrow
Just a reminder that if you wanted to include any expression of gratitude - via a comment, blog entry/link or published entry here - to Dr. Sears and Martha, the deadline is today. So far I actually only have two - which I guess is an indication that you all...April 24, 2008 - 9:05 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Protecting your sons from aggressive girls
Yesterday I brought up the topic of aggressive girls - which is occurring at younger and younger ages, augmented by IMs and text-messaging - and which can take mothers of boys by surprise. I emphasized the responsibility of parents to be proactive in setting apporpriate guidelines and expectations for sons...April 22, 2008 - 12:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Happy birthday, Maddy!
Fifteen years ago I gave birth for the last time - at least I think so :) Maddy was born 54 weeks after her brother Jonny. She was - as she announces to people she meets now - #9. When she was three weeks old, Jonny was hospitalized for...April 19, 2008 - 8:06 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
A Tribute to Dr. Sears and Martha #2
As I announced last month, I'm gathering thank-yous from parents whose lives have been touched by Dr. and Martha Sears' books on attachment parenting, child development, and child discipline. I will be presenting them to Martha as a gift on May 1. Greta sent this: Dear Dr. and Mrs. Sears,...April 18, 2008 - 7:01 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Homosexuality - helpful information
I found this to be a very well-balanced and respectful summary of the emotional process which can lead to homosexuality and lesbianism: Homosexuality 101 It's a long clip, but I think important for any parent who may wonder how to help their child avoid gender confusion....April 15, 2008 - 3:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBack
Montessori Mondays - children's puzzles
Here's how any mom can make the most of teaching moments by using Montessori techniques: Take puzzles, for instance. Choose the kind with knobs, as they encourage the child's pincer grasp - which will strengthen and refine his thumb and finger control so that when the time comes to pick...April 14, 2008 - 6:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBack
My life - full speed ahead!
Maddy and I drove down to Old Dominion University in Norfolk Friday morning for the second level of the NATS (National Association of Teachers of Singing) competition. She had placed in the state competition and so was moving on to regionals. I am not a trained singer, but several of...April 6, 2008 - 3:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (8) | TrackBack
SAHMs - how do you fill in the occupation/employer blanks?
Good question from Von: I was wondering what other SAH/HS mothers put down on paperwork for their occupation and for their employer. I’ve always been a SAH wife and then mother and then later a homeschooling mom; so that’s what I put on the paperwork. The blank for employer has...April 2, 2008 - 5:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (14) | TrackBack
Free downloadable flash cards, coloring pages, art
Here is a fabulous website with over 3,000 downloadable beautifully-illustrated alphabet cards, flash cards, coloring pages, murals, games, and even how-to-draw videos - whimsical child-friendly art from a very generous artist who has provided this all to us for free. Visit Jan Brett. This is one reason why I...March 28, 2008 - 6:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBack
Today's moms - under pressure
I had a meeting last week with some homeschool advocates to brainstorm ideas for a pamphlet they are doing for preschool moms. I was invited to participate because of my books - including Mommy, Teach Me! and Mommy, Teach Me to Read! - which are based on encouraging, empowering and...March 28, 2008 - 1:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (6) | TrackBack
A tribute to aprons
Remember the Apron Contest? Knowing me as a late-to-the-party apron mama, Shannon - a mom of twins who blogs at Abigail and Porter - sent me this as it was passed on the her from her dad: The History of Aprons I don't think our kids know what an apron...March 26, 2008 - 2:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Praising children's efforts - the Montessori approach
I was wondering what Montessori has to say about praising the child? I've just been reading some Alfie Kohn articles and am a bit confused, as what he says does make sense.. and I am one parent who has been brought up with 'good girl!' and all that, and...March 25, 2008 - 8:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack
Children in the arts - balancing home and instruction - your input, please
I have been blessed by much of your blog over the past year. I have a question. My 8 yr.old daughter has been taking ballet for two years now. It turns out that she is incredibly gifted in ballet! She is in an excellent program only 5 minutes from...March 24, 2008 - 9:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (11) | TrackBack
Personality and Multiple Intelligences test: I'm ENTJ
I am a consistent ENTJ. Note the small percentage of women with this personality type. No wonder I'm so weird :) This site is interesting because it also has a Multiple Intelligences test. You might want to take these too: Click on the box if you want to take the...March 23, 2008 - 7:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Choosing not to have children - your thoughts, please
Barbara: A friend recently told me that she and her husband were thinking about not having children. They have been married almost 3 years. Here is my response to her, but I would like to hear your response to this idea. Thank you for your time. Kristin "I'm assuming my...March 20, 2008 - 6:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (15) | TrackBack
Motherhood, sacrifice, monasticism
Jane sent me this wonderful ink at the beginning of Lent - sorry it's taken me a while to get around to sharing it: The Domestic Monastery Excerpts: What is a monastery? A monastery is not so much a place set apart for monks and nuns as it is a...March 20, 2008 - 5:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Postpartum depression stories sought
Kimberly Rogers is writing a book on postpartum mood disorders from the Christian perspective and would like to hear from Christian women who are willing to share their stories. Kimberly has a Master of Divinity degree and is a previous pastor and teacher. She is also co-coordinator of Northern California...March 20, 2008 - 8:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack
Divorced grandparents woes - reader input?
Readers, do any of you have experience or input on this? Dear Barbara- Thank you again and again for your blog. I so appreciate how real you are willing to be-good and bad. I have a situation I am needing some wisdom on and wondered if you or the readers...March 17, 2008 - 12:09 AM | Permalink | Comments (15) | TrackBack
The Nursery - a new site for new (and old) parents
The Nursery is a newly-launched site for new parents - and some those who've been around a while too. I am on their line-up of "experts" - ahem! - so my writing will appear there. I do like the calm and serene atmosphere they've created there - check it out:...March 6, 2008 - 11:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Teens: when things don't work out the way you planned
Just publishing this email exchange for a glimpse into the tough decisions parents are sometimes called to make. When my children were young and I was trying so hard to be the perfect mom, I never dreamed that someday they might turn their backs on the things their dad and...March 5, 2008 - 6:49 AM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBack
Book on motherhood: your input needed
My friend Ann Stewart - a writer who lives a few miles from me - is writing a book called Preparing My Heart for Motherhood: A Shower of Wisdom to Treasure - following on the heels of her Preparing My Heart for Advent and Preparing My Heart for Lent....February 27, 2008 - 1:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (6) | TrackBack
Books for toddler expecting new baby - your suggestions
From Kristina, who blogs at Christian Children's Book Review: Hi Barbara! As always, I'm enjoying your blog and your books. (I'm re-reading Mommy Teach Me To Read, now that my 2 year old knows her phonics :) ) I am expecting another baby in Oct., and I wonder if you...February 27, 2008 - 12:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (7) | TrackBack
Speaking in Redwood City, CA March 11
You are invited! If you can come, please RSVP for free childcare:...February 26, 2008 - 3:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Montessori Mondays
Announcing! I've been receiving pictures from some of you who've read Mommy, Teach Me! and/or Mommy, Teach Me to Read! and instituted some of my ideas for Montessori at home. Here are some cute pictures of Amy's son using the Sound Canisters - a sensorial exercise which increases hearing discernment....February 25, 2008 - 10:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Question for introverted moms
Here's a question from Adele which I can't answer: It's so interesting that you posted about personality types-- I've been thinking about them a lot lately. I actually have a question about temperament and big families: do you think that extroversion is a prerequisite of having a big family? I...February 25, 2008 - 12:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (18) | TrackBack
Motherhood and personality types
A rerun from July 2006. With all the new readers here, I though there are sure to be some who will find it interesting: Sallie at A Gracious Home wrote a piece that got me thinking the other day - so I thought maybe you'd like to think along with...February 23, 2008 - 12:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (10) | TrackBack
When a child balks at work
Dear Barbara - What do you suggest for a preschooler (disabled or not, mine isn't) who balks at suggestions to work? Should I just wait for those times when she shows interest and make the most of that, or can I hold her to the expectation of regular (small, age-appropriate)...February 23, 2008 - 9:39 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
When a child seems too needy
Readers, I'd really like to get your input on this one: My son just turned 3. He is a typical boy in some ways; active, curious, rough. He is also a bit timid, shy and takes a while to warm up to new situations and people. He was a delightful...February 22, 2008 - 8:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (7) | TrackBack
Humor: Evolution of a Mom
The following appeared in the February 1998 issue of Parenting. Yes, parenthood changes everything. But parenthood also changes with each baby. Here, some of the ways having a second and third child differs from having your first: The Evolution of Mom Your Clothes 1st baby: You begin wearing maternity clothes...February 21, 2008 - 11:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (7) | TrackBack
Dove ads - give your girls security and love
Plowing through a few days' email. You all send me so much brilliant and thought-provoking amterial! Martha Sears passed this on - a true wake-up call for parents (remember I talked last week about how our kids are absorbing the images that are bombarding them each day?): Dove titled that...February 21, 2008 - 12:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBack
Montessori at home - the best foundation is love
[This is the final installment in a four-part series: Why Your Preschooler Can Thrive at Home taken from a chapter in my book, Mommy, Teach Me! Read the first, The Best Teacher is Forever, the second, The Best Classroom Has No Walls, and the third The Best Lessons Don't...February 16, 2008 - 8:54 AM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBack
Montessori at home - the best lessons don't end at noon!
[This is third in a four-part series: Why Your Preschooler Can Thrive at Home taken from a chapter in my book, Mommy, Teach Me! Read the first, The Best Teacher is Foreverand second, The Best Classroom Has No Walls.] The Best Lessons Don’t End at Noon Some of my...February 15, 2008 - 3:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Montessori at home - the best classroom has no walls
[This is the second in a four-part series: Why Your Preschooler Can Thrive at Home taken from a chapter from my book, Mommy, Teach Me! Read the first The Best Teacher is Forever.] The Best Classroom Has No Walls I mentioned how the modern approach to education – compartmentalization...February 14, 2008 - 1:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Montessori at home - the best teacher is forever
It's that time of year when some of you may be wondering about preschool. There's so much cultural hype and social pressure - with many states actually considering mandatory preschool - that even moms who love having their kids at home wonder if they're doing the right thing. Mothers...February 13, 2008 - 5:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Your input needed: preschool aggression
My son will be 4 in October and is having a lot of problems at his 2 day a week preschool. He has never been unusually aggressive before but now he is hitting and trying to bite kids at school. He has only been at the school for one month...February 11, 2008 - 1:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (6) | TrackBack
Is College for everyone?
[It's been almost two years since I ran this. I've gotten a lot of new readers in that time - some of you may find it interesting]: I had mentioned on the Q&A about grandparents that my oldest daughters chose not to pursue college - the first after a year...February 11, 2008 - 9:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (6) | TrackBack
Letting go of an angry daughter
Some of you probably know that my second daughter has not spoken to me - nor to any other member of our family (except Josh, who works with her husband) for well over a year. It has been heartbreaking and I ask for your continued prayers. I have apologized endlessly...February 9, 2008 - 9:04 AM | Permalink | Comments (15) | TrackBack
Terms of endearment - what do you call your kids?
I call mine Darlin' or Sweetheart. What do you call yours?...February 6, 2008 - 7:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (36) | TrackBack
Singing with preschoolers and toddlers
In an earlier post I mentioned singing as a way of relieving stress with kids. But I want to urge you all to make music and song part of your everyday lives when things are going well too. Singing together will build bonds that will last a lifetime. You...February 6, 2008 - 7:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack
Reader: Turning into a psycho mom. . . help!!
This was the subject line on an email from a reader - who gave me her permission to publish. Since we've all had these days (sometimes weeks or months :) I think it's wonderful to face it honestly and use this as a place to encourage each other: hi! i...February 6, 2008 - 1:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (14) | TrackBack
Montessori at home: best coloring supplies
I've written before on the benefits of coloring books for developing concentration and fine motor coordination. While in a Montessori classroom this is done with Metal Insets, at home you can accomplish the same results with coloring books. There are many gorgeous and educational coloring books available - browse Amazon...February 6, 2008 - 11:48 AM | Permalink | Comments (6) | TrackBack
Montessori at home: encouraging a work ethic in children with Down syndrome - or any children, for that matter
Another rerun from 2/14/07. Sometimes we can get complacent - I am constantly humbled by own need to maintain vigilance in calling myself to a higher standard, especially knowing how much the future of my kids with disabilities depends on it. Let's all consider today - myself included - what...February 6, 2008 - 8:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack