This stay at home Father has a scale of the annoyance factor for kids television.
It was a fun read, simply because his tastes exactly mirrored my own. I have been struggling with my health these past two years and unfortunately have turned to daytime programming more than at any time previously for keeping my pre schooler occupied. Many times we have watched these shows together, and I confess a real love for Little Bear, the music alone makes it fun to watch. (However any episode featuring Duck or a drum parade is about as annoying as the worst kid programming).
So, we have gotten aquainted with all the Noggin and Nick Jr Shows the past year or two.
Paul said early this year we should get rid of satellite and I told him I would be OK with that choice if Ben had a little brother or sister to play with. But since he is alone most days while our four older children are at school and work, a show here and there helps keep him happy. Don’t get me wrong, we still spend hours every day baking, doing school, music, and he loves to help me with chores and walking the dog. I think of the television as a tool.
Ben simply loves Little Bear, Franklin, Wonder Pets, and recently Max and Ruby is the fav at our house.
It is nice to have this excellent programming instead of just the politically correct pap on PBS Kids.
Jenny Hatch

Hawthor has a great post on the politics of the Family Bed.
Go Here to read it.
We used a crib for our first daughter, until she was two and then the fighting began over the family bed. (Fights between my husband and I about how to handle nightime parenting) By the time I had our third we just pushed two large queen size beds together in one bedroom and tried to get as much sleep as we could. As our children have grown and matured, they have moved into their own rooms and beds and at five, Ben, our youngest, usually starts out in our bed and then we move him into the boys room when he falls asleep.
I remember thinking that I would never get these children out of our room at night, but each child has gradually matured to where they feel comfortable alone at night. We got rid of the crib 15 years ago and I only use a cradle for our newborns, right next to my bed. I think the biggest thing that has changed for Paul and I over the years is the understanding of how quickly the time passes with our babes and toddlers. When our oldest children were little, it felt like they would never mature, but now that life is speeding up, we find ourselves grasping for those sacred moments of connection with our youngest son; nursing, rocking, singing, and soothing to sleep. We both understand that sooner than later it will all be over and he won’t need us as much, as he follows in his siblings footsteps and grows up.
I love the book Nightime Parenting by Dr. Sears. It really made sense to me when I read it.
Hawthor also has a funny comic attached to this story. Go Here to see it.
Jenny Hatch

Continue reading “Hawthor The Cow Goddess – Article attacking Co-Sleeping” →

Blogger Susana Baig has discovered a brilliant way of converting thrift store clothing into gorgeous quilts for her family and friends!
Check out her Homespun Life Blog here.

Susans other Blog Spirit led Birth: Go Here.
Jenny Hatch

One True Media Version of this montage found on my share page.
Thanks for everything Mom, I love you, and am so grateful for the legacy of wellness that you gave to all of us. When I think about the 14 children my sisters and I have welcomed into the world, the young daughters who are being brought up and prepared for motherhood, and the daily nourishment that I know is going on in all of those homes, I just have to yell to anyone interested….I have the best Mother in the World!
Jenny Hatch

Continue reading “Daughters – A Tribute to my Mom and Farewell” →