I haven’t been blogging often as of late, since I’ve been busy working with a web designer to give the web site a much needed and long overdue re-design. The goal is to debut a more visually appealing, much more user friendly site, packed with useful resources and inspiration to support families and others who are interested in learning more about what Magda Gerber’s respectful approach to being with babies might have to offer.
I can’t wait to have the tools that will allow for more interaction and discussion among all of us! As it stands now with the current site, this is a cumbersome process.
Besides working to update the site, I’m gearing up to start a weekly Saturday class locally in Santa Cruz, and I’ve been working with a business coach to guide me through this process in an intelligent way. Who knew starting a small business isn’t as easy as hanging out a shingle?
To be honest, I did know, but I didn’t anticipate what a feat it would be trying to accomplish this task while caring for and providing full time support for a family with two small children. Having the support and guidance of my brilliant business coach Ryan Eliason (at www.ryaneliason.com) has made all the difference in terms of helping to keep me sane and on task.
I am trying to be patient with the process, and the time it takes to make and build connections in a new community. This isn’t always easy for me, but is good practice for being with babies, because being with them requires the same kind of willingness to be patient, go slowly, and wait for growth and progress to manifest in it’s own good time. It helps me to frame it this way anyway, when I am feeling impatient, and want to see results yesterday!
I’ve had the pleasure of providing private consultations and workshops to a small number of local families this past year, and I will be speaking to a number of local parent groups in the near future as well.
I have also been busy reading and commenting on other people’s blogs. Anyone who knows me even a little, or has read my blog, knows that I am a voracious reader. I read to learn, for enjoyment, for answers to questions, for inspiration, to be challenged. I need to read like I need to breathe. And I love reading blogs, because not only does doing so provide all of the things books provide, but blogs also provide the opportunity for discussion and debate, which is something else I value highly and enjoy immensely.
I’d like to share links to some of my favorite sites, the ones I find inspiring and helpful in my work with children and families, and I would love, love, love, to hear from you about your favorites.
Here’s where you can find me: www.janetlansbury.com. Janet Lansbury is a mother, and a RIE parent educator. Magda Gerber was her dear friend and mentor. elevating childcare is her on-line resource for parents, and she’s just added a community forum as well. This is the blog I wish I could write!
Kathleen is a mom who wants to participate in conversation about politics, the environment, food, wine, and parenting- when she has a moment 2 think. She’s at amoment2think.wordpress.com/.
Parenting Science bills itself as a site for the thinking parent. They can be found at parentingscience.com . They examine the science of parenting and child development. Because inquiring minds want to know!
The following sites are of particular interest to me as well, as they resonate with deeply held beliefs and values: In Praise of Slowness at carlhonore.com. Carl Honore has been called the father of the Slow Movement. He says the slow movement is not about doing everything at a snail’s pace, but about doing everything at the right pace.
Simplicity parenting at simplicityparenting.com. Simplicity parenting focuses on using the power of less to raise calmer, happier, more secure children.
Last but not at all least, Campaign For A Commercial Free Childhood (the little non-profit that could!). CCFC works to counter the harmful effects of marketing to children through action, advocacy, education, and research. Find them at commercialexploitation.org.
Happy reading, and conversing!