Parenting books, teaching compassion, sewing and another move…

Although I know there is unfortunately no secret manual on how to parent a child, I do know books can sometimes be helpful in navigating the often confusing and challenging aspects of parenthood. What books have you all found to be helpful and would recommend? I’m currently reading Becoming the Parent You Want to Be by Laura Davis & Janis Keyser which was recommended by a friend, and I really like it so far. It’s inclusive of all family types which is a plus in my view and very informative. I’m also planning to read Unconditional Parenting: Moving from Rewards and Punishments to Love and Reason by Alfie Kohn and The Case for Make Believe: Saving Play in a Commercialized World by Susan Linn, also both recommended by friends.

Speaking of books, You Are My Wish Come True by Marianne Richmond is a beautiful children’s book Ian received for his birthday and is so perfect for anyone who has struggled to build their family. The Mama Bear in the book even discusses how sometimes family members don’t look alike, that all families are different, and that what makes a family is their love for each other. Another part of the book I loved was when Mama Bear answers her son’s question on whether wishes always come true honestly. She responds that “not all of our wishes come true. But don’t ever stop wishing for the hopes of your heart”.  The author has also written a book that is specific to adoptive families.

I guess with all these latest culture wars raging I’m feeling an even greater need to instill in my son the love and compassion I hope that he sees us treat others with, and that he knows beyond a shadow of a doubt that whoever he is, whoever he becomes, he will always have our unconditional love and support. I want to equip him with strength and love and the desire to stand up for his beliefs as well as justice for all. I know that children mirror much of what they see in their families, so I’m trying to be more present in displaying kindness towards others and an inclusive environment in which differences are treasured. All of the judgment and hatred that is being flung by so many makes me feel very disheartened and honestly sad for those who are at the heart of all this disagreement just trying to live and love who they love. I can’t help but think that if I, a married heterosexual, feel so dejected by organized religion, how do my homosexual friends feel? And to those who are so freely flinging around beliefs that are unkind and disapproving of others, how would you feel if that was your child who loved someone of the same sex. It saddens me to think of children growing up in homes like this that are being taught that their feelings might not be “right” or acceptable by their parents, by God and/or society. I can’t help but think of that song…what the world needs now is love, sweet love, it’s the only thing that there’s just too little of.

Life is so unpredictable. I never would have guessed I’d be where I am now a year ago. We’re enjoying life in the new city and I’ve actually settled into the whole unplanned SAHM gig well and *gasp* I’ve started sewing! This is something I previously had absolutely no interest in learning and never would have thought I’d be good at, but I’m actually quite enjoying myself learning to sew. I’ve made some cloth napkins for our family and these reusable cloth towels...

I’m going to keep practicing and we’ll see, maybe I’ll be able to make a little business out of this new hobby. It’s been a great activity for me to work on while little man naps during the day and then once he goes to bed in the evenings. I’m a very goal oriented person and need to accomplish some tangible tasks throughout the day so these projects give me that sense of fulfillment while being at home. We’re preparing to close on our house in the new city in two weeks, so soon I’ll be busy packing yet again (hopefully the last time for a very long time) and then unpacking and arranging our lives and routines into a new home.

Speaking of the little man, Ian is doing great. As is typical of him, he reminded us he will do things on his own time and not according to any specific timeline. Just a little over a week ago he started walking before crawling. He wants absolutely nothing to do with crawling, and although we continue to work with him in trying to see the merits of how this could be helpful towards his mobility skills he doesn’t seem to agree. He also loves books and is currently fixated on about three books that he likes us to read over and over together throughout the day.

Lastly, Happy World Breastfeeding week to all you Mommas out there! Even if you tried breastfeeding and it didn’t work out for whatever reason, take comfort in knowing that you gave it a shot and you’re doing the best job you possibly can.