Levity

lev·i·ty

/ˈlevədē/

noun

lightness of mind, character, or behavior

Working with children includes working with their grown-ups. In my years of working closely and intimately with parents, I realize the subject of parenting can be a sensitive conversation. Kids can be… humbling. As we tackle the challenges that come with parenthood, I hope to bring insight and customized and concise plans to the table- with a little levity on the side.

“The way we talk to our children becomes their inner voice.”

— Peggy O'Mara

  • What is RIE Parenting?

    “Resources for Infant Educarers® (RIE®), a non-profit educational organization, was founded in 1978 by Magda Gerber and Dr. Tom Forrest. RIE offered the unique approach to infant care inspired by pediatrician Emmi Pikler which Magda titled Educaring. “We teach while we care.”  Magda created a groundbreaking model for parent education through her RIE parent-infant classes, where participants are encouraged to sit, relax and learn from their baby’s natural self-directed activities and observe demonstrations of respectful adult-child interactions by a RIE facilitator.  

    Magda’s goal for RIE was to improve the quality of infant care, whether given in the home, in family daycare, or in a center-based setting.”

    “The more we do, the busier we are, the less we really pay attention.”

    Read more at Magda Gerber

  • What is Positive Discipline?

    “Proponents of positive discipline teach that kids can—and will—behave without threats, bribes, yelling and physicality.”

    Read more at PBS

  • What is Respectful Parenting?

    “Parents are encouraged to respect their babies, trust them to develop skills naturally according to their inborn timetable, and lead play. As facilitators of these aspects of child development, rather than teachers, we learn to observe, and practice staying out of the way. But this must not be confused with permissiveness — it is mindfulness.”

    Read more at Janet Lansbury

  • What is Gentle Parenting?

    “Gentle parenting is a means of parenting without shame, blame, or punishment. It is centered on partnership as both parents and children have a say in this collaborative style. Gentle parenting is as it sounds; it is a softer, gentler approach to parenting, and parents and caregivers that practice gentle parenting do so by guiding their children with consistent, compassionate boundaries—not a firm hand.”

    Read more at Parents

My goal is to help raise altruistic, confident, and independent children and create an environment that fosters the development of these traits. We all want our kids to grow up to be able to be their own advocates, stand up for their beliefs, and speak their minds even if it may feel scary. This seed is planted when we make our kids feel seen and heard, model and encourage prosocial behavior, and give them the autonomy and opportunity to take calculated risks even if they occasionally fail.

And throughout the day, with or without failure (in all of its potential forms) comes big emotions, a complex driving force in how we all operate as human beings. That being said, emotional development and wellbeing is always acknowledged and practiced even in the smallest interactions. In the sweaty red face of inevitable tantrums, screams, and thrashes, I remind myself that every moment of vulnerability is an opportunity (and need) to connect. Effective parenting is backed by science and with positive discipline, respectful parenting, and RIE philosophies in mind, I am fueled by curiosity and empathy.

As parents and caregivers, we are not bosses, dictators, or entertainers. Primarily, we are coaches, educators, guides, and observers. My approach is gentle and collaborative, but firm and consistent. In the grown-up world of projects, work, gift giving, and deadlines, we generally do a better job when we want to complete the task at hand- children are no different and in the long run, are more effectively motivated intrinsically rather than by fear, shame, ultimatums, or bribes. This is considered in everything from how I potty training to how I handle mealtimes. However, while it is important to give children empathy, options, and a "seat at the table", upholding boundaries, managing expectations, and holding one another accountable is equally important! The secret is “freedom within limits” and upholding firm boundaries with a gentle hand.