Welcome to Kira's Blog

Welcome to My Blog

Life with young children can be challenging, but with the support and advice of friends, we can feel empowered and thankful for the blessing of being a Mom.

My musings are those of a self-proclaimed attachment-parenting Tiger mom, who juggles full-time mommying with a small (but growing!) baby-related business. I hope some of my thoughts help you
Enjoy your day, Enjoy your night, and Enjoy your kids!!!

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Food Colorings = Bad

The FDA is (finally?) paying attention:

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/30/health/policy/30fda.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss

Monday, March 14, 2011

Goal Setting

Fantastic Wall Street Journal article on children and goal-setting. Highly recommend. Here's a link:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704758904576188453057819300.html

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

More Forums?

As I mentioned in a recent blog, our private school hosted a discussion recently, which took place largely in response to Amy Chua’s controversial book Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother, where Chua’s parenting style both fascinates and disturbs many readers. In attendance were mothers of a variety of styles and backgrounds, representing large and small families, more and less religious families, and families from across the county.

The discussion flowed smoothly and openly, in a supportive and non-judgmental fashion, and it touched on a variety of key topics. While different labels were mentioned, few associated openly with a particular label, and most of the discussion focused on how to best support and challenge one’s children. Of particular note: the idea of choosing a path for children, what to do when life/children stray from that path, and how firm or flexible to be as a parent. The moderators were supportive and informed, establishing a light and caring atmosphere. As our world becomes increasingly private, many of us feel alone and/or overwhelmed at home, sometimes questioning our role, our tactics, and our paths as caregivers. This workshop helped lead the way to greater support and sharing of ideas, so that we can be stronger and more fulfilled as parents.

If you are at all involved in your schools (which you should be!), I encourage you to request that they hold similar discussions. These forums are incredibly empowering and essential to feeling less alone and more connected with other parents. Sharing wisdom is essential to successful parenting.

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Parenting Forum

Today, our local private school hosted a parenting discussion. Here are the 2 key concepts that resonated for me, in an interesting catch-22:

-Choosing a Path: similar to Steven Covey's "Begin with the End in Mind" - you must chose a path, a vision, a goal for your child. Where would you like to see him in a year, in five years, or as an adult? What kinds of accomplishments do you dream for her? If you don't have any hopes and plans for your child, then you are doing her a disservice. You are not believing in her abilities, strengths, and unique qualities to go far. So choose a path. And stick to it. Believe in it. Because your child deserves a flowery and beautiful future.

-Follow the Flow: each child is different, and while you may think your little Einstein is born to be a mathematician, he may prefer to become a musician. While your commentary about who and what he should be are valuable, his own sense of self is what ultimately really matters. You can only guide him as far as he will follow - beyond that, he'll decide for himself, and then YOU will be the one following... in order to support him on his journey.

The best parents will strike a balance between these two concepts. We need to have a solid, stable path for our kid, but also be immediately willing to change course. To be comfortable with both ideas simultaneously takes immense courage and strength, which is why parenting is the toughest job on the market. But the bonus will make the investment worth it. Satisfaction Guaranteed! :)