Words from an old campfire song (with third verse revised by Cynthia): I’ve got that joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart (Where?) Down in my heart (Where?) Down in my heart I’ve got that joy, joy, joy, joy, down in my heart (Where?) Down in my heart to stay I’ve got the peace […]
Joy in My Heart by Cynthia Aldinger Read More »
During the first seven years or so of life the child’s main tasks are to come to terms with physical reality, to develop the organs of his or her physical body, and to learn to relate socially. The main learning paradigm for young children is imitation, so how the adults around them manage conflict is
Connecting with Young Children by Stephen Spitalny Read More »
Get practical ideas for interacting with children when Faith speaks about 5 Ways to Transform No into Yes at the National LifeWays Conference on May 18th, 2013. She will also offer an afternoon workshop on Allowing Children to Help, looking at fostering competence in children. High Expectations vs. Unrealistic Expectations I was talking with a
Some Ideas About High Expectations Read More »
It was back in the summer of 1977 and I was sitting with some awe once again in Marjorie Spock’s kitchen in East Sullivan, Maine. We spoke of numerous things, including a possible relocation to the area to help start a Waldorf school initiative. As always, she was full of robust energy, humor and
Home for the Holidays, by Pamela Perkins Read More »
For years, advent – the four weeks prior to Christmas – in the O’Connell household has been celebrated with the gradual building of an advent nature scene on our kitchen table. I love this tradition, because it blends the Christian tradition of the advent wreath with a deeper appreciation of the natural world. It begins
Advent Nature Scene, by Mary O’Connell Read More »
(Note: this article is re-printed with permission from the blog Joyful Toddlers. The original article can be viewed here.) Dear Miss Faith, My little guy is starting daycare and while I’m sure that it will be a wonderful, loving place for him, I am dreading dropping him off and saying goodbye. We have had a
Starting Daycare and Saying Goodbye Read More »
Because young children love stories, and magic, and anticipation, it can be especially enriching for children if we add those three aspects to any project that we do with them. Let’s take the idea of making Apple Crisp: it can be done in half a morning. Simply chop up some apples, stir in some cinnamon
The Art of Apples in the Fall Read More »
I didn’t mean to be a gardener. Somehow it just happened -or did it? My earliest memories of gardening were the ones of an annoyed teen being forced to help dig and build beds for a large succulent garden that would one day become the front yard for a LifeWays center in San Diego set in
How Does Your Garden Grow? Read More »
After experimenting with a natural, authentic home rhythm and routine to suit our values, needs, and interests over the yeras, it was a joy to see that healthy habits and a sense of responsibility have taken root. I’ve been sick for over a week with a flu and fever. Last Monday, on my third day
Letting Children Say YES! Read More »
By Mara Spiropoulos As I sit here writing, momentarily free of my children, I find myself reflecting on all that our family has recently experienced. My husband lost his job about five months ago, and because of this we have had our fair share of financial difficulties, which
Saying YES to Motherhood Read More »
