A weekly list of things I love and what’s going on with me.
At the risk of making this feature into a “roundup of old links”… I have to share this amazing series on Family Work from 2011 by Heidi at Frantically Simple (follow the links to read the whole series, it’s very worth it! It has kind of a religious bent to it but as a non-religious person it is still completely applicable.)
I have been thinking a lot lately about rituals and chores for Z. In my mind, they are interwoven–and this is one of the many things I love about both the Waldorf philosophy and Heidi’s concept of family work. So far we’re having the most success with lunchtime, where we have a ritual that reinforces sitting at the table, eating, and cleanup chores afterwards.
I’ll probably post more about this soon. Because ultimately it’s not just about “making” a toddler do chores (or eat healthy food!)–it’s about valuing these things on a deep level as a family, and how the structure of life reflects that. (See also: Why Are American Kids So Spoiled? which is patronizing and infuriating in so many ways, but also sort of accidentally touches on my point.)
Last week I mentioned my love of fermented foods, which was just the tip of the iceberg with regards to my strange fascination with gut bacteria. So I was completely stoked to read all of the great science in this article about birth, babies and gut microbiota. (Shout-out to our doula Sharon who runs that awesome site!)
On a related note, I am so happy that Z is almost 20 months old and has never needed to take antibiotics. I hope to keep this streak up as long as possible to protect his little gut! (I would of course give them if he ever really needs them, I just like to look at alternatives when possible.)
Here is a beautiful piece of writing about intuitive eating. I think this is what we all want, at least I know I do. Also, I have about a jillion things to say about where fat acceptance meets veganism (it can! it does for me!…but it often doesn’t for many) but I will wait until I have the right words.
And an update! I am happy (a little too happy, honestly) to report I have successfully made my own laundry detergent from the link I mentioned here. That recipe worked perfectly, although next time I make it I will stir it even more. Mind did partly turn into a brick, but I see how it could easily be solved by stirring more. Next up? Dishwasher detergent.
Related posts:
