Links
Websites
Emotional Intelligence
www.empathic-parenting.com
another helpful resource for caring parents
www.6seconds.org
emotional intelligence network
www.feel.org
campaign to foster emotional intelligence in children
Parenting
www.naturalparentingcenter.com
our own site, focusing on the “how to” of progressive parenting. We offer consultations, parent coaching, and workshops
www.mothering.com
one of our favorite sites and a great supporter of Feeleez
www.naturalfamilyonline.com
loads of resources and information
www.cnvc.org
home of nonviolent communication
www.kindredmedia.com.au
natural parenting magazine based in australia
www.kindredmagazine.com.au
a beautiful and helpful natural parenting publication
www.unschooling.com
helpful resources and support
www.ttfuture.org
strong scientific support for natural parenting with astouding archive of articles
www.campaignforrealbeauty.ca
girls and self esteem
www.atlc.org
association for transforming the lives of children
www.globalactionforchildren.org
an organization worth supporting
Toys
www.moolka.com
wonderful European toys
www.to-goware.com
alternatives to plastic
www.lifewithoutplastic.com
great products free from plastic
Health
www.vitalhomeopathic.com
the site of our personal homeopathic doctor. We have found that coupled with progressive parenting, addressing issues (biting, sugar cravings, mood swings) homeopathically is an extremely effective tool.
Books
Parenting
Unconditional Parenting, by Alfie Kohn
If you choose one book on parenting to read, this is it. Loaded with research and well-founded ideas, Unconditional Parenting is easy to read, makes complete sense, and is radical and opinionated in the most important ways.
Parenting for a Peaceful World, by Robin Grille
This is an astoundingly dense book. It's not an easy read and we admit that we skipped some of it because we weren't ready to read about how children have been treated throughout different historical times (brutal). And we know that we will at some point because of how important it is to understand the pain that has preceded us. With clarity and passion, he states that parents are the shapers of society. There are excellent chapters on the developmental needs of kids that will help your parenting as well as help you understand your own childhood. We love this book and are completely in awe of the work that went into it.
Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life, by Marshal Rosenberg
(also check out Parenting from the Heart which is NVC for parents by Inbal Kashtan) Life changing. Easy to read, understandable, makes complete sense and yet it is so challenging to practice every day! If you want to remove judgment, misunderstanding, unnecessary confrontations from your life, then learn nonviolent communication. If you want to grow compassion and unconditional love in your life, then learn nonviolent communication. We are learning that it is a long term endeavor that is so, so worth the effort.
You Are Your Child's First Teacher, by Rahima Baldwin Dancy
This book takes a Waldorf Education perspective on the first 6 years of life. There are loads and loads of resources at the end of each chapter, particularly for creating art together, music, stories (and understanding fairy tales), singing, making toys and more. We loved it because of the emphasis on cultivating imagination, not rushing academics and formalized early learning, connection between mind and body, and reminding us of the importance of rhythm and routine and, most of all, protecting childhood.
The Parent's Tao Te Ching, by William Martin
Thought-provoking and inspiring in its simplicity, and yet there is so much depth in each statement. A great resource to keep by your bed to read a snippet from each night before drifting off.
The Baby Book, by Sears and Sears
We would recommend any of the books by these incredible authors. A doctor and nurse couple who have raised 9 children, the Sears advice is grounded in attachment parenting principles. This book has been an important resource for everything practical.
Hold Onto Your Kids, by Gordon Neufeld
Another attachment parenting author, Gordon goes further than many in advocating for strong family bonds throughout childhood and adolescence. Much of the middle section of the book is about our current situation in society and he comes back to some practical ideas at the end of the book.
The Wonder of Boys, by Michael Gurian
Another book that we read early on, so we're curious to go back and read it again. The emphasis on brain research that clarifies what we've perhaps resisted (that boys and girls are different in so many ways) was interesting to us.
The Continuum Concept, by Jean Liedloff
Many people consider this the origin of a wider understanding of what attachment parenting is all about. Jean takes us on her journey as she shared extended time with the Yequana people of South America. She is an American writer, with a history in journalism and she shares a perspective on how we’ve lost our natural well-being, and practical ways of regaining it for the sake of our children and ourselves. It is well worth the read, particularly if you enjoy slightly more academic material.
Health
Vaccinations: A Thoughtful Parent's Guide, by Aviva Jill Romm
A balanced perspective on this complex and heavy issue. Aviva offers a wide breadth of well-researched information which allows you to make your own decisions and understand the possible consequences.
Homeopathy for Children, by Gabrielle Pinto and Murray Feldman
If you are choosing to pursue homeopathy, we highly recommend finding a homeopathic doctor to work with and then supplementing that relationship with this book. When you pursue alternative health practices, we think that it is critical that you have professionals to support you.