Infant & Toddler

If your child is an infant/toddler, and they are awake, go spend time with them! If they're sleeping, go take a shower or do something that refreshes and relaxes you. GET OFF THE COMPUTER. You don't need a curriculum. Be a happy mom.

Seriously.

Of course, I know some of you are still on the computer, because there are things you have questions about. First, let me say that you should not become obsessed with giving your child the perfect start. This is a huge trap that seems to really swallow people up and folks interested in Waldorf are particularly susceptible to it. Just be kind to yourself and do your best.

Having said that, for some tips on childhood development, the home environment, and parenting toddlers, there are some very good books. Here are a few we recommend:

• Beyond the Rainbow Bridge : Nurturing our children from birth to seven by Barbara Patterson
• Seven Times the Sun: Guiding Your Child Through the Rhythms of the Day by Shea Darian
• Heaven on Earth: A Handbook for Parents of Young Children by Sharifa Oppenheimer
• Well, I Wonder: Childhood in the Modern World, A Handbook for Parents, Carers and Teachers by Sally Schwizer
• Toymaking with Children by Freya Jaffke
• The Challenge of the Will: Experiences with Young Children by Margret Meyerkort and Rudi Lissau

If you're worried about home environment and suitable toys, you want Toymaking with Children.

If your main concern is on establishing rhythms for your day, complete with songs, verses, and stories, get Shea Darian's book and the accompanying CD.

If you want to know about child development, parenting, and what-do-I-do-with-my-child and can only afford one book to cover from now until the beginning of school (ages birth to the change of teeth), get Sally Schwizer's book. It's my favorite new recommendation!

Free Articles on Working with Infants and Toddlers

Check out the articles on Waldorf in the Home (right-hand column).

Toddler Story Time

I am now offering a Toddler Story Time at my local library with storytelling (not reading aloud) and a hands-on activity. Here are some notes:

September 18 - The Little Red Hen

The Little Red Hen by Paul Galdone

finger puppets from Around the World with Finger Puppet Animals by Suzanne Down:
chicken, dog, cat, bunny, squirrel, hedgehog
wool felt (Magic Cabin or Nova Natural), embroidered details - silk thread works well for eyes

follow-up activity: "kneading bread" with homemade playdough
(Lemonade, Orange, Ice Blue Raspberry KoolAid flavors)

handout: Homemade Playdough and Simple Bread Recipe

October 2 - Goldilocks and the Three Bears

tactile explorations: cotton balls, pompoms, aluminum foil, dissolving packing peanuts in water, pipe cleaners, wooden blocks, floam, tissue paper, toilet paper, sandpaper, etc.

October 23 - First Woman and the Strawberry

First Woman and the Strawberry: A Cherokee Legend (Native American Legends)

washing, hulling, and eating ripe strawberries
crushing, smelling, and tasting fresh herbs: mint, rosemary, basil, pineapple sage, chives