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We Nurture: Waldorf Inspired Parenting — Kids & Family
We Nurture: Waldorf Inspired Parenting

This parenting podcast empowers parents on their journey by exploring what it means to nurture and be nurtured with mindfulness and presence. Listen to learn how you can best meet your child’s developmental needs as your child grows and develops while cultivating a nurturing, joyful home life.

Copyright: © 2023 We Nurture: Waldorf Inspired Parenting

Latest Episodes:

#5 Finding Joy in Ordinary Days Apr 10, 2023

Young children thrive in the ordinary, to them it's reliable, predictable and feels safe. There's less anxiety, less overwhelm, less to be nervous about especially when the ordinary is nourished by a healthy rhythm.

It can be hard to slow down, be present and fully embrace ordinary moments and ordinary days. How you wash the dishes, do the laundry, sweep the floor, set the table; these and more can make you feel like you're not seen and perhaps this is what makes simple, ordinary moments and days so hard.
In this episode I offer advice as well as inspiration for finding joy in ordinary days. I also tell my story of how I embraced ordinary days as a first time mom.
Here are two episodes from Season 4 that offer more on this topic.
The Key to More Joyful Days with Your Child (part 1)
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/we-nurture/id1481862269?i=1000528963100
The Key to More Joyful Days with Your Child (part 2)
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/we-nurture/id1481862269?i=1000529682364

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Season 7 Intro Feb 27, 2023

Welcome back to the We Nurture Podcast! We are so excited to announce that Season 7 will be starting next Monday. Make sure to subscribe so you don't miss the first episode.
Subscribe to our newsletter, The We Nurture Journal, to be notified when the season has begun and to receive updates throughout the season!

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Season 5 Trailer Oct 04, 2021

Welcome to the We Nurture Podcast, I’m Chinyelu.
I’m excited to tell you that I’m currently working on new content and a new format for season 5 which will be daily episodes!
Each day of the week, I will be releasing a 10 minute episode starting with Mindful Mondays, Blossoming Tuesdays, Inspirational Wednesdays, Seasonal Thursdays, and Q+A Fridays. The episodes will be filled with parenting tips, advice, and inspiration. I’ll be covering topics like “how to parent with respect,” dealing with mom guilt” and “building your confidence as a parent.”
My goal is to support you in your parenting journey with tools that will guide you on your own unique path!. I hope that you make We Nurture’s Season 5 episodes a part of your daily routine!
Follow us so that you don’t miss the beginning of Season 5 and all the exciting episodes that we’re creating just for you!
Please Rate and Review the podcast on Apple podcast or your listening platform as we’d love your support in helping us spread the word about We Nurture!

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How to Curate Outside Toys and Backyard Play and Increase Your Child's Outdoor Play Jul 15, 2022

Spending time outdoors is real food for the soul, real food for the senses, as it nourishes the young child’s senses. Spending time outside helps your child breathe deeply and be better regulated.

Nature reduces overwhelm and eases tension. It will bring your child to a calm peaceful state. One of the great benefits of being out in nature is that it also gives your child time away from screens, and makes it possible for them to intimately reconnect with themselves.

Join me in this episode as I talk about the Foundational senses, outdoor activities that strengthen these senses and how you can create an outdoor play area in your own backyard with toys that you curate that will interest your child and encourage them to spend hours in play outside.

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The Benefits of Creating a Summer Seasonal Table Jul 14, 2022

It’s Seasonal Thursday and I’m so excited to have you here today. Welcome to the We Nurture Podcast with me, your host, Chinyelu. Today, I’ll be talking about the benefits of creating a summer seasonal table for you and your child. Waldorf Education calls it a nature table and it is all about creating nature scenes that reflect what is happening outside in nature, during that season. I’ll speak to you about how a seasonal table opens up opportunities for creativity, engagement, bonding, communication, connection and care. It is a natural way to encourage outdoor play and it allows your child to connect with nature in a personal way, as you let them go about their explorations. A seasonal table is all about engaging your child’s senses, as well as strengthening your bond with them through an activity that you can do together. Bring along your child-like wonder as you tune in for this one.

Key Points From This Episode:

Being drawn to the ‘why‘ of a summer seasonal table/nature table as a young mother new to Waldorf Education.
Encouraging an interest in and respect for the natural world.
Helping your child learn about nature in a personal way, developing a caring attitude for the earth.
A natural way to encourage outside play.
How your child can get a deeper experience of exploring the world around them.
Placing focus on allowing your child the opportunity to investigate and explore like a scientist.
The importance of play with objects from nature and further developing the sense of touch.
Why flowers matter and how to arrange them with your child.
The most important aspect of creating a seasonal table: being together with your child.
Introducing seasonal foods/recipes to your child and having them help you prepare that meal.
Crafting with natural objects and materials.
Having a crafted tree as a grounding presence on your seasonal table.
Ideas on how to start a seasonal table and where to place it in your home.

We Nurture Collective

We Nurture on Instagram

We Nurture on Facebook

We Nurture on YouTube

The Three Little Deers and the Great Storm

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5 Waldorf Inspired Practices for a more Balanced Lifestyle Jul 13, 2022

Welcome to a new episode on The We Nurture Podcast! Today is Inspirational Wednesday, and I will be talking about five Waldorf-inspired practices that I believe will help you cultivate a more balanced, nourishing lifestyle for your family (and for you too!). No matter your parenting situation, looking after little ones is no easy task. While focusing on the five practices, which are self-care, rhythm (one of my favorites!), daily routines, family values, home life and connecting with nature, I will help you understand how to cultivate balance when you live intentionally! While looking at sleep times, mealtimes, and play times, I help you understand how to better meet your child’s needs. I also give you some tips on creating simple, nurturing, doable, and nourishing self-care practices for when life feels like an overwhelming balancing act.
Key Points From This Episode:

A new perspective on how to view balance in our lives.
Why parenting requires so much energy.
Five Waldorf-inspired practices to cultivate in day to day life.
1: self-care (creating simple, nurturing, doable, and nourishing practices).
2: rhythm (sleep times, mealtimes, and play times).
3: daily routines (building with intentionality to restore a sense of balance).
4: family values (the tools you give your child, defining your family story, and creating healthy values).
5: home life and connecting with nature (a place of security, safety, and cultivating a sanctuary).

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

We Nurture Collective

We Nurture on Instagram

We Nurture on Facebook

We Nurture on YouTube

The Three Little Deers and the Great Storm

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Instagram

Using Stories to Help your Child Handle Change Jul 12, 2022

Welcome back to another bountiful episode of blossoming Tuesday on the We Nurture Podcast. I’m your host, Chinyelu. Today, I talk about how you can use stories to calm your child when they are distressed. Your child could be agitated due to a break from routine or nervous about an upcoming event. In any case, stories are a way to capture your child’s attention and imagination, in an effort to bring calm to a situation. I will tell you how descriptive language is great for early childhood development, and how you, as a parent, do not need to tell the perfect story, only one that helps you connect with your child with a message that they can relate to. I will share two stories with you today, as examples of the ways that you can create imagery to bring peace to any moments of stress. I can’t wait for you to tune into this one!

Key Points From This Episode:

Using stories to help children manage behavior that has become disruptive.
How to use language to conjure up images that guide your child’s emotions to a calm state.
Why the loss of a sense of security and safety can cause dysregulation.
Descriptive language as an aid for early childhood development.
The way stories can capture a child’s attention and imagination.
Creating your own stories, as a parent, to bring calm.
The types of stories that you can use to create imagery.
Making sure that you do not direct your child through your stories.
Creating imagery that your child can relate to.
How to navigate through an unexpected event that interrupts the usual routine.
Your story does not have to be perfect, so rather focus on connecting with your child!
Using animals in stories to better connect with your child.
An example of a preview story: The Fox Family.

Waldorf Education

We Nurture Collective

We Nurture on Instagram

We Nurture on Facebook

We Nurture on YouTube

The Three Little Deers and the Great Storm

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Why Time Outs Don't Work and What to Do Instead Jul 11, 2022

Welcome to a new episode of the We Nurture Podcast! Today is Mindful Monday, and I will be discussing why giving a child a timeout doesn’t work. Timeouts, which are ineffective and punitive, never serve their intended purpose. While delving deep into the topic, I explain why we need to change our perception of dealing with negative behavior, and how by doing this, we create an opportunity to support our children, connect with them, and build a relationship. I try to help you understand the importance of being present when your child reflects and processes their behavior, how to teach your child emotional regulation, the ways to guide them with your own strengths and boundaries, and how timeouts cause our children to create beliefs that they are worthy of punishment. Plus, I give you suggestions and helpful strategies on what to do instead of timeouts, how to acknowledge why you desire to send your child to timeout, and the importance of giving your child autonomy and choice. I hope you can join me!
Key Points From This Episode:

How to change our response to our child’s negative behavior.
How to figure out what our child is trying to communicate when they have negative behavior.
Helpful strategies to use when dealing with a child’s misbehavior.
Understanding what the flawed goal of timeout is.
Why we need to be present when our children reflect on their behavior.
How we help our children with emotional regulation by being present.
Why our children need to feel comforted and guided when they are presenting negative behavior.
The lessons to teach our children when they are processing their feelings.
How to reflect on why you are sending your child to timeout.
The power of giving a child autonomy and choice.
How to incorporate the outside when you’re dealing with misbehavior.
The importance of reflecting on your child’s negative behavior.

We Nurture Collective

We Nurture on Instagram

We Nurture on Facebook

We Nurture on YouTube

The Three Little Deers and the Great Storm

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Instagram

Managing Bedtime With Multiple Children Jul 08, 2022

Welcome to a new episode of the We Nurture Podcast! Today is Q&A Friday, and I am going to be talking about how to manage bedtimes when you have children of different ages. I am going to talk about the power of healthy, daily rhythms and having a holistic overview of the day. Before I get deep into today’s episode, I recap the six foundations of a healthy rhythm and give some quick examples of how to make sure you achieve these. Then, I will help you understand the effect a busy day has on the tiredness of your child, and I will draw on my own experiences to give you tips, tricks, and advice on how to juggle managing bedtime routines. I help you understand how to let go of the day and make peace with what has been, in the hopes of finding harmony tomorrow. From reading books before bed and having early dinners, to managing bathing and showering routines, this episode is helpful for parents and caregivers with children of all ages!
Key Points From This Episode:

Chinyelu discusses why she was at home with her three children (of all different ages).
The power of a healthy, daily rhythm and having a holistic overview of the day.
Talking about how different emotions are expressed at the end of the day, normally at bedtime.
Why children can become clingy at the end of the day.
How to have a harmonious bedtime.
The link between the end of today and the beginning of tomorrow.
Investing in a front carrier for your baby.
Why you should have early dinners, and how to create a bathing/showering routine.
Why you should read books (and the different kinds of books to read) before bed.
How you can put your day to rest and give yourself peace during bedtime.

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Choosing your Parenting Battles Dec 03, 2021

You’ve probably heard this said before - Choose your battles and save your energy for bigger behavior instead of battling over every minor issue and to let the minor issues go and focus on what’s most important to you. In today's episode, I'll be talking about how to work with your child during difficult moments. I'll suggest different scenarios and give step-by-step guidance on how to respond!
If you have a parenting question, submit it here on our website, or on Mondays on our Instagram @we_nurture.

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Summertime Rhythm to Nurture Your Child and Family Jul 07, 2022

Welcome to a new episode of the We Nurture Podcast! Today is Seasonal Thursday, and I am going to be chatting about how to create, and maintain, a nourishing, balancing summertime rhythm to nurture your child and family. We all know that the summer season is notorious for unplanned, changing activities. So, when reflecting on our rhythms, we need to focus on creating predictable and consistent routines that will support our child's ability to self-regulate, have a sense of normality, and support their sense of wellbeing. I discuss the three essential cornerstones of support (sleep time, mealtime, and playtime) and how they promote a healthy daily rhythm. I will help you recognize when your child is expressing, their feelings of being unsettled and overwhelmed; whether it is through behavior or actions, and how to approach and implement a balanced routine to get them back to feeling their best. I hope you tune in to hear my personal summertime rhythm guide, which includes estimated times of the day, for creating a sustainable and supportive rhythm!
Key Points From This Episode:

How the summer season brings a change in rhythms.
Creating predictable and consistent routines.
The foundation of rhythm and the three cornerstones: sleep time, mealtime, and playtime.
How to help your child self-regulate, have a sense of normality, and support their sense of wellbeing.
Understanding your child’s negative behavior (and boundary-pushing) as communicating feelings of being unsettled and overwhelmed.
The major role of balancing your day-to-day life
The power of slowing down (and expanding) the activities we do with our children.
A framework for creating your summer rhythm.
Sleep time: the correct number of hours for restorative sleep.
Mealtime: helping keep the system in balance, nourishment, and blood sugar regulation.
Playtime: nourishing cognitive, physical, social, and emotional well-being and language and communication skills development.
The power of being in nature during your summer mealtime.
A summertime rhythm guide, based on times of the day, for creating a nourishing routine.

Sleep Foundation

We Nurture Collective

We Nurture on Instagram

We Nurture on Facebook

We Nurture on YouTube

The Three Little Deers and the Great Storm

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Bringing Light Into Your Home This Winter Dec 02, 2021

Welcome to Season Thursday! Today I'll be talking about how to bring more light into your home this winter season. I'll share some inspiration and ideas for how to bring more light into your home and deepen your child's experience of the season.
Head to our Instagram @we_nurture to see the winter craft idea mentioned in today's episode!

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How Opened Ended Toys Build the Imagination Jul 06, 2022

Did you know that when your child plays with a toy, they actually build a relationship with the toy and the material that the toy is made from can affect how they play with the toy. It’s important when we are intentional about the kinds of toys or play materials that we give to our child. Does it have warmth? Does it invite your child to play? How does it feel? How does your child engage with it? These are all good questions to ask.

Just by watching your child, you can see how much their toys stimulate their imagination, their curiosity and approach to exploring their world. Children learn about their world through play and the toys and play materials that they use are a medium for this exploration.

The less formed a toy is the more room there is for your child to imagine and create their own ideas. Open-ended toys give children freedom to create and because they aren’t fixed they can be used in any number of ways.
Join me in this episode to learn more!

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Creating a Holistic Home Dec 01, 2021

Being in a calm space makes it easier to calm yourself, and the same applies to children. Today on this Inspirational Wednesday, Chinyelu addresses holistic home ideas that nurture the body and soul, and how you can bring these into your home. We hear how a busy home can make us and our children feel overwhelmed, and how you can identify these problem areas. Find out the 12 senses that are at the foundation of the Waldorf school ideals, and how they are influenced by our environment. We dive into the four foundational senses (touch, life, self-movement, and balance) and discover tips and tools to soothe each of them by adapting the home environment. Tune in to find out why a home is not merely the objects in it, and remember to always be kind and nurturing to our family and ourselves!
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

The 12 Senses Article

We Nurture Collective

We Nurture on Instagram

We Nurture on Facebook

The Three Little Deers and the Great Storm

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Nurturing Compassion with Doll Play Jul 05, 2022

Welcome to the We Nurture Podcast. Today, I will be talking about the importance of doll play in your young child’s development. Doll play can nurture compassion in your child, and give them the ability to care for someone or something else. Waldorf education states that dolls are the archetype of the human being and I have seen this to be true in my experiences with preschool children. I will show you how doll play can lead to you, as a parent, being more mindful, what to avoid when you are handling a doll in front of your child, how a doll as a toy can be your child’s best friend, and how a simple doll will allow your child to fully express their feelings. I’ll take you on a journey through the experiences I had when introducing my children to their Christmas dolls, and how my kids (and others) built relationships with their cuddle companions. Doll play can help your child work through their thoughts, feelings, and experiences, so you, as a parent, should always be mindful when showing nurturing care to your child. Tune in to find out why doll play is one of the most important types of play that a young child can have.
Key Points From This Episode:

Exploring how you can nurture your child’s ability to be compassionate through doll play.
Doll play is valuable to all children, boys and girls.
How dolls are the archetype of the human being in Waldorf education.
The way a child will imitate how you, as an adult, handle a doll.
How doll play can lead to a parent becoming more mindful.
What to avoid as a parent when handling a doll.
Why a toy can be a young child’s best friend.
My experience of seeing a Waldorf doll for the first time.
How a simple doll allows a child to fully express their feelings.
The perfect Christmas gift: a make-your-own doll kit.
How kids build relationships with their dolls.
How children are able to work through their thoughts, feelings, and experiences through doll play.
The importance of being mindful when showing nurturing care to our children.

Waldorf Education

We Nurture Collective

We Nurture on Instagram

We Nurture on Facebook

We Nurture on YouTube

The Three Little Deers and the Great Storm

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Changes in Your 6 Year Old Nov 30, 2021

Today on Blossoming Tuesday, I will be focusing on some changes and the transformation that takes place in the 6th year. In your child’s sixth year you’ll begin to notice some changes that might surprise and even challenge your parenting in different ways. You’ll need to be understanding of and sensitive to the transformation that’s happening in your six year old. And Just as they are experiencing an inner transformation that happens as they approach the end of the 7 year childhood development phase, you’ll find that a transformation in the way you parent might also need to happen.

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The 4 Temperaments - A tool to Better Understand Your Child’s Personality Jul 04, 2022

Today on Mindful Monday, I will be talking about the four temperaments as a tool to better understand your child’s personality. By understanding temperaments, we, as parents, can meet our child's needs in a more effective way. The four temperaments, which can be defined as traits and characteristics, are known as air (sanguine), water (phlegmatic), earth (melancholic), and fire (choleric).
“Although each temperament has specific qualities, we can expect that every one of the qualities will be seen in each individual.”— Chinyelu Kunz [
I talk about how, although each person has one or two dominant elements, qualities of each temperament is present in everyone. I advise on how to recognize, observe, experience, and manage each temperament in your child. Plus, I offer a guide to understanding how to bring all four elements into balance and harmony. I hope you will join me for this episode!

Key Points From This Episode:

The power of understanding your child’s personality.
The four temperaments and how they relate to the four elements.
How Waldorf uses the temperaments as a tool to bring children to balance.
Exploring how each element can present itself in children.
A perspective from a Waldorf teacher and Waldorf mother.
How to support our children by understanding and recognizing their characteristics as a part of their elements.

Books on Temperaments (short list)
Between Form & Freedom by Betty Staley
Children and Their Temperaments by Marieke Anschutz
Authentic Parenting by Bari Borsky & Judith Haney

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

We Nurture Collective

We Nurture on Instagram

We Nurture on Facebook

We Nurture on YouTube

The Three Little Deers and the Great Storm

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Instagram

Nurturing Gratitude in Your Home Nov 29, 2021

Welcome back to mindful Monday! Today I'll be talking about mindful ways to Nurture the practice of Gratitude in your home. Tune in to learn about different ways that you can authentically create gratitude in your home with your children, as well as the power of creating a gratitude practice.

There's a printable of Mealtime Blessings that goes along with this episode. You'll find it on our website - wenurturecollective.com. Here's the link; https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5f3acf17ad525662863d2190/t/61a4d496ef4c07476c036562/1638192312074/Mealtime+Blessings

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Daily Self-Care for Stressed Parents Jun 24, 2022

In this Q & A Friday Episode , I’ll be talking about Self-Care for Stressed Parents.

This question was asked on our instagram poll when we asked parents to submit their questions for Q & A Friday on the podcast. It received a lot of votes which made it the clear choice for this episode.

If you would like to ask a parenting question you can submit it on Instagram @we (underscore) nurture on Mondays during season 6!
Listen in as I guide you through how to acknowledge your stress, process stress triggers, and even potentially prevent stress altogether. You’ll learn the negative effects of high-stress levels and how you can recognize this through your elevated emotions.
When your self-care practices make it possible for you to have a deeper understanding of why your stress exists, this helps you understand ways to heal yourself.
However, you need to remember that your stressors and emotions are valid, even if they make you feel like you are an incapable or imperfect parent. With examples such as going for a walk, having a bath, and resting when your child does, you'll begin to understand how you need to nurture the parts of yourself that needs it the most.
I hope this episode will inspire you to dig deep and start your daily self-care practices today!

Listen to hear more and learn ways to reduce your parenting stress!
Key Points From This Episode:

The knockdown effects of high-stress levels.
Recognizing the beginning stages of elevated stress levels.
The implications of emotional disconnection.
The feelings of regret at the end of the vicious stress cycle.
How to determine the origin of your stress.
Examples of emotions that trigger stress.
Different practices to incorporate into your day-to-day life to alleviate stress.
The deepness that should take place during your self-care practices.
Examples of self-care practices that nurture the parts of yourself that need to be nurtured.
Different parts of self: emotional, social, physical, sensory, intellectual, creative, and spiritual.
How to achieve personal growth while you’re on the journey of reducing your stress.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

We Nurture Collective

We Nurture on Instagram

We Nurture on Facebook

We Nurture on YouTube

The Three Little Deers and the Great Storm

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Instagram

Why to Stop Saying Good Job and What to Say Instead Nov 19, 2021

Thanks for joining us on Q & A Friday! Today’s question is - “I’ve heard that saying Good Job isn’t helpful so what can I say instead? In today's episode, I'll answer this question as well as explain why not to say "good job." I'll also give examples of scenarios and offer tips on what to say instead!
If you have a parenting question for one of our Q & A Fridays, you can ask it on Mondays on Instagram or anytime on our website. I then select one question a week to answer on the podcast.
Article by Alfie Kohn

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The Benefits of Forest Bathing and Why It's a Healthy Activity Jun 23, 2022

In this episode, I talk about Forest Bathing, the benefits and why it's a healthy activity.
What is it about forest life that draws us, heals us, and brings us joy?
What does it mean to bath our senses in the atmosphere of the forest?
In the forest, nothing is asked of us so we find ourselves listening, observing and noticing what’s around us. We relax. And when we are in a place where we can calmly take in our surroundings, particularly in a forest where our senses are bathed, we become peaceful just by the very fact that our body is in a restful state and that we’re breathing more deeply.
Join me as I take you on a journey through the forest to experience how and why it's healing for the senses and the soul.

Key Points From This Episode:

Understanding what forest bathing is.
The health benefits of forest bathing.
Why I built a forest at a Waldorf pre-school program.
Why forest life heals and nurtures our emotional well-being, physical bodies, and soul.
What it means to bathe our senses in the atmosphere of a forest.
How to craft and cultivate a simple and better forest experience.
Nature as a powerful antidote for sensory overload and challenging behaviors.
The ways children absorb experiences and how to use this to foster healthy development.
The four foundational senses as our child’s sensory building blocks.
How to observe your child in a forest bathing experience.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

We Nurture Collective

We Nurture Instagram

We Nurture Instagram

Association for Healing Education - Article - Observations Based on the Lower Senses
http://box5157.temp.domains/~healipj6/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/12sensesahe.pdf

We Nurture on Facebook

We Nurture on YouTube

The Three Little Deers and the Great Storm

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Instagram

Late Autumn Crafting With Your Child Nov 18, 2021

Making simple crafts with your child is the perfect way to brighten your home as the transition from Autumn to Winter begins. In this episode, I’m excited to share 4 crafts that you can make with your child during this transition time. These crafts are also developmentally wonderful because they help to strengthen eye-hand coordination as well as fine motor skills!

You can download the crafting guide here
The guide contains a list of all the supplies, instructions, and photos.
Visit our website here

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12 Types of Play Your Child Needs Jun 22, 2022

As parents, we know how important play is for young children. For the young child, play and learning are one and the same. Through play, children try out their ideas and develop new capacities at their own pace and in their own timing.

It's been said that the most effective way for a young child to be educated is to let them learn through play at their own pace. - To let them learn when they are ready and interested.

The types of play that I’ll focus on is based on research that was used as a tool for assessing whether play in early childhood programs was providing adequate opportunities and materials for all types of play. Although this research came out of this need, it’s also a useful tool for us as parents to know if we are providing the variety of play that our child needs and if they have access to different types of play in the program they attend.
Listen to learn more!
Here are a links to Alliance for Childhood articles
Crisis in the Kindergarten - Why Children Need to Play in School
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5d24bb215f3e850001630a72/t/5d389f785f713d0001a33797/1563991929109/Summary+Crisis+in+Kindergarten_8-page_summary.pdf

Alliance for Childhood - Importance of Play
https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED485734.pdf
12 Key Types of Play
https://images.shulcloud.com/1039/uploads/docs/Resource-Bank/Parent-Resource-Bank/Twelve-Key-Types-of-Play.pdf

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How to Unlock Your Child's Creative Gifts Nov 17, 2021

In today's episode, I'll be discussing how to nurture your child's creativity. Creativity is something that sparks on the inside and Creative genius isn’t something that you can teach your child but what you can do is provide the right environment for it to germinate, grow, and to flourish. How you build this foundation for them impacts their connection to their body, to their thinking, and their inner self.
Yesterday, on our website, I shared a Waldorf inspired birthday story that I wrote. In the story the little child who is journeying to the earth receives gifts from the sun, moon, and stars before crossing over the rainbow bridge to be born on the earth. The gifts received before birth are seeds that are planted in us to connect us with our creative genius - our purpose. This is where the creative genius of each child lies and to be able to recognize and connect to these gifts, once here on earth, is what you can help nurture in your child.
Click here for the story

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Nurturing Your Child's Ability to Self-Regulate Jun 21, 2022

Welcome to another inspiring edition of Blossoming Tuesday on the We Nurture Podcast.
Today, I talk about how to nurture your child’s ability to self-regulate. I highlight three stages of learning - supporting self-regulation, co-regulating, and achieving self-regulation that, when nurtured, builds your child’s ability to regulate. You’ll come to understand what role your triggers, as a parent, play in your child’s self-regulation journey. I share insights on the importance of breathing, talking, seeking help, and, of course, the undeniable benefits of play. Finally, I take a detailed look at the importance of self-regulation in children and adults alike. Tune in to listen and please share this episode with family and friends.

Key Points From This Episode:

The three stages of learning that build your child’s ability to self-regulate.
Stage 1: Supporting self-regulation.
How to be a calm, nurturing presence for your child.
Stage 2: Co-regulating.
Stage 3: Achieving self-regulation.
Why understanding your triggers as a parent will help your child’s self-regulation.
How children develop self-regulation through self-directed play.
The reasons why self-regulation is essential.

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Your Blossoming 5 Year Old Nov 16, 2021

On todays episode, I'll be talking about how children are developing at age 5. In your child’s fifth year you’ll notice big changes as well as a lot of growth in their thinking, their capabilities and in their play. If you have a 5 year old or a soon to be 5 year old, this is the perfect episode for you!
To download the birthday story printable, click here

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The Effects of Screen Time on the Young Child Jun 20, 2022

Welcome to a new episode of the We Nurture Podcast! Today on Mindful Monday, I will be chatting about the effects of screen time on our young ones. I'll open a dialogue around why screen time should be limited for younger children. I'll talk about how I raised my children, the research and resources I used, and the methods of observations that better equipped me to create and maintain a screen-free home. While acknowledging that this is a difficult task, I'll give advice, tips, and powerful questions to ask ourselves which will help listeners to better observe and perceive the ways children behave and interact when having screen time. From understanding important cognitive, sensory, and physiological nervous system developments in our children, to the power of boredom and nature, I talk about how to take on the challenge of minimizing screen time in your homes to improve all aspects of your child's life. I'll talk about how chronic stress, overstimulation, and concentration barriers can be combated with simple play-oriented, movement-centered, grounding techniques. I hope you can join me to feel empowered to tackle minimizing screen time in a world that revolves around screens!
Key Points From This Episode:

A brief look at my personal parenting style with regard to screens.
The age at which I introduced screens into my children's lives.
Discussing the development of a young child’s brain with respect to certain age markers.
The developmental processes a brain misses out on when a child is having screen time.
Why I avoided screen time when raising my children in their early years.
The importance of children feeling and processing their boredom.
The effects of screen time on children's cognitive, sensory, and physiological nervous systems.
How screen time can affect your child’s focus, attention span, and sleep.
A scientific understanding of a child’s developing brain.
Three critical questions you can ask yourself when making decisions around children’s screen time.
How to look out for and pay attention to the negative effects of screen time.
10 key points from Dr. Dunckley’s book, Reset Your Child's Brain.
The power of observing your child.

PDF Reset Your Child's Brain - A Four Week Plan to End Meltdowns, Raise Grades and Build Social skills by Reversing the Effects of Electronic Screen Time

Reset Your Child's Brain by Dr. Victoria Dunckley
What Do We Really Know About Kids and Screens
The Case for Screen-Free Childhood
Associations between screen-based media use and brain white matter integrity in preschool-aged children

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Taking Good Care of Yourself Nov 15, 2021

Taking good care of yourself means that you'll need to become aware of the areas in your life that you need to nurture more. Areas that maybe you've overlooked or perhaps even neglected.
If you're finding that this time of year is asking you to give more attention to your self-care or has you questioning your self-care practices and how to take better care of yourself you're not alone.
Listen to hear why your self-care is a valuable practice to begin now, how it affects you as a parent and how it affects your child. In this episode, you'll hear about 5 areas that you will want to give attention to as you begin to mindfully Take Good Care of Yourself!
Download the Printable

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Navigating Resistance and Aggressive Language Jun 17, 2022

Today on Q&A Friday, I talk about how to mindfully navigate resistance and aggressive language in our children. With no simple one-size-fits-all approach, I guide you in understanding that each situation requires a personal tailored response: one that is in the best interest of your child. You'll learn the importance of a child being able to express themselves, and how to look beyond their behavior with kindness and empathy for underlying issues that they may be trying to express. Discover seven reasons that can cause resistance and aggressive language, which include being overwhelmed, the inability to express emotions, mimicking their personal experiences, and changing communication styles. Plus, you'll get some suggestions to navigate this behavior, from creating consistent home rhythms to holding boundaries, remaining calm in resistant situations, and acknowledging major developmental milestones. I hope you’ll join me for this informative and encouraging episode!

Key Points From This Episode:

Navigating your child’s resistance while considering potential underlying causes.
How allowing your child to express themselves builds connections and strengthens relationships.
A list of seven things to consider when understanding resistant behavior.
Suggestions on how to combat resistant behavior.
Why adults must make bigger decisions and let children choose between two smaller choices.
How being overwhelmed can mirror being resistant.
The ways an adult can support their child through situations that trigger resistance.
What the Waldorf Education system defines as the individuation process.
The healing power of telling stories.
How to tame, work with, and deal with aggressive language and behavior

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

We Nurture Collective

We Nurture on Instagram

We Nurture on Facebook

The Three Little Deers and the Great Storm

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Tips for Adapting From One to Two Children Nov 12, 2021

In today's episode, I'll be answering a listener's parenting question: Any Tips and suggestions for adapting from one to two children. Tune in to learn my strategies for adjusting to more children, and how to navigate this exciting time.

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Connecting your Child to Life Through Gardening Jun 16, 2022

“Gardening isn’t just an activity that we do. In so many ways, it shows us the essence of the cycles of life, from the seed to the aging, dying plant.” Today on Seasonal Thursday, I’ll be talking about a Waldorf inspired approach to gardening with young children. Once again, I will invite you to place yourself in the young child’s world of feeling instead of knowing, experiencing instead of overthinking. I'll take a look at the importance of nature in early childhood before taking a deep dive into ‘the willing phase’. Then, onto gardening, where you’ll learn how to plan your garden and decide what to plant, making sure that you have the right tools, as well as the importance of designated gardening clothes, and so much more! And, of course, you’ll get some ideas for fun gardening activities, some of which are there to extend the experience beyond just gardening. Make sure to tune in and come grow with us.
Key Points From This Episode:

Living into an experience, instead of thinking your way through it.
How ‘feeling‘ is more important than ‘knowing‘ for the young child.
The importance of nature in early childhood.
Waldorf Educations’s three phases of the growing child, paying closer attention to ‘the willing phase‘.
Planning your garden and deciding what to plant.
The importance of organic seeds/food.
Making sure that you have the right tools.
How to create a separate play area for your child.
Another reminder that children play themselves into life.
Some fun gardening activities for children aged 18 months and older.
The importance of having the right clothes and why distinctively different clothes for gardening matters.
I talk about how to keep it simple.
Little things that you can do to add to the experience, beyond just gardening.
Creating a small, personal garden bed for the slightly older child.

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Deepening your Child’s Experience of Seasonal Transitions Nov 11, 2021

Thank you for joining us for Seasonal Thursday! One todays episode, I'll be offering information and inspiration for ways to deepen your child's experience of autumn. I'll be sharing some amazing recipes to make this fall with your family as well as some simple activities to do with your family that will deepen the mood of the season.

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The Benefits of Cooking with Your Child Jun 15, 2022

Welcome to a new episode of the We Nurture Podcast! Today is Inspirational Wednesday, and we will be chatting about the power of cooking with your child. In this episode, I share personal experiences I had with my mother, my experience as a Waldorf educator, and experiences with my children in their early childhood years. I use all of these experiences to guide you through the benefits of cooking and preparing food with your child. From social-emotional and cognitive development, building self-esteem, promoting hand-eye coordination, and creating an awareness of their senses, the list of benefits seems endless. You'll begin to understand how, by allowing your child to participate in the kitchen, you'd can create lifelong memories, foster positive relationships, and cultivate a connection to the natural world. My aim is to provide comfort in the face of this potentially daunting task, and encourage a shift in your mindset to move away from your potential fears of mess and imperfection. I hope you can join us for this informative and advice-filled episode!

Key Points From This Episode:

Children’s interest in adults’ day-to-day tasks.
A look at my childhood in Nigeria as the beginning of my relationship with food.
Cooking as an early childhood experience is integral to the Waldorf curriculum.
The holistic perspective of nourishment as an experience that promotes a healthy relationship with food.
The importance of children being immersed and included in their surrounding environments.
Accepting that including your child in cooking may be messy and be imperfect.
How cooking nurtures your relationship with your child and builds their self-esteem.
How helping prepare food promotes pre-maths thinking and helps build hand-eye coordination skills.
How cooking develops language skills, social-emotional and cognitive development, and problem-solving skills.
Age-appropriate considerations to make in the kitchen.
Recommendations on how to ensure your child’s safety while preparing food.

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What To Do When your Child's Behavior Brings up Fears About your Parenting Nov 10, 2021

Welcome to Inspiration Wednesday! On todays episode, I'll be talking about what to do when your childs behavior brings up fears about your parenting. As parents, we can so easily fear our child’s weaknesses. Our fears can at times overtake our rational thinking while negative thoughts increase our fears - “What if my child never stops this behavior?” “What if I’m not able to help them learn?” “What if the behavior gets worse?” “What if they never listen to me?” So many “what ifs” can pop up for us. And could it be that when our child misbehaves that it triggers fear in us because it could be seen as a reflection of our parenting. I'll be discussing how to deal with these fears and more in this episode!

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Activities to Calm and Ground Your Child Jun 14, 2022

Do you feel like your home needs more calm? Well, get ready for some peace at home as we welcome you to another episode of the We Nurture Podcast! Today, on Blossoming Tuesday, I talk about activities that you can do to ground and calm your child. Behavior is something that needs to be carefully considered and in this episode you'll learn how your child’s behavior determines which calming activity best suits their needs. You'll also discover just how important it is to identify your child’s individual needs. You’ll come to know why the ‘time of day’ makes a difference in your child’s behavior. There are four foundational senses that we are made aware of and there is a calming activity that speaks to each one of them. I talk about about warmth as a calming essential, water as therapy, and the benefits of creating a little fort for your child. Make sure that you tune in to find out how you can bring calm to your home!

Key Points From This Episode:

Things to notice about your child’s behavior.

How behavior determines the necessary calming activity.
The importance of identifying the ‘need’ of your child.
What different types of calming activities look like.
Why time of day is an important factor to consider.
How sense is important when choosing the right calming activity.
Looking at the four foundational senses.
Four calming activities that relate to the senses.
Grounding experiences for the imbalanced child.
Why warmth is used as a calming essential tool.
How water is akin to therapy.
The importance of cozy nooks and blanketed forts for you.

You'll find our recipe for Homemade Warm Lavender Scented Play dough in today's instagram post.

Link to Waldorf Play Frame
Link to Waldorf Play Stands

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Supporting Your Blossoming 4 Year Old Nov 09, 2021

Today on Blossoming Tuesday, I'll be focusing on the 4 year old and the shifts that happen during that time. I'll give tips and insights into where your child is at developmentally and how you can best support your growing child at this wonderful age.
Connect with us on instagram @we_nurture! If you love this podcast, please rate, review and subscribe because this helps us reach more parents!
We Nurture Collective
We Nurture on Instagram
We Nurture on Facebook
The Three Little Deers and the Great Storm
Stories for Children Podcast

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Why It's Important for Children to Know There's Goodness in the World Jun 13, 2022

Welcome to another exciting edition of Mindful Monday on the We Nurture Podcast! In this episode, I’ll be talking about the importance of letting children know that there is goodness in the world. Life is hard, so children need to know that even in difficult times, goodness does exist. You'll learn that parents need to protect our children from our adult fears and anxieties and that we, as adults, need to be a model of happiness that our children can look up too. We come to understand that fear can make a child shut down and that we shouldn’t expose them to news and other adult content while they are still young. We should, instead, shower them with love and positivity. Positive affirmations can help your child develop a sense of being safe. And, we can positively affirm that today’s episode is not to be missed!

May this episode encourage you and help you to discover hope and joy in life everyday and that you'll find the strength and courage to show your child that there is indeed Goodness in the World!
Key Points From This Episode:

• Why it is important for children to know that there is goodness in the world.

• Why children need to be protected from adult fears and anxieties.

• The way Chinyelu’s childhood experiences of war formed her beliefs!

• Discovering ways to be a model of happiness for our kids.

• How to help your child develop a sense of safety.

• What it means to meet the world with warmth and an open heart.

• How to create moments of stillness.

• The importance of positive affirmations.

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How Simplicity Can Help Your Child Blossom Nov 08, 2021

Cultivating simplicity in your child’s life helps them to be in touch with their true feelings and be more purposeful in their actions. Today on Mindful Monday, we discuss a few mindful ways that you can cultivate simplicity in your home and life, providing your child with a greater sense of inner peace and calm. We cover everything from simplicity in order and the benefits of crafting healthy home rhythms, to simplicity in limiting exposure to adult information and screen time. Tune in to find out what you can do to simplify your child’s inner and outer world, creating the space for you to breathe and for your child to blossom.

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Transforming How We Communicate With Our Child Mar 11, 2021

Transforming How We Communicate with Our Child

Episode 15: Show Notes.

Today I am joined again by Stephen Spitalny to talk about communicating with young children and simple ways to transform this for the better. Stephen is a teacher at the Santa Cruz Waldorf School and is the author of three books and numerous articles on the subject of early childhood. He has also hosted a number of workshops and courses all over the world! Stephen has joined me for a series of conversations and today we delve into talking about communicating with a young child and the best ways to approach this. Stephen unpacks the five steps that he offers for effective and healthy communication, going through speaking less, speaking slowly, speaking the truth, using the word 'but' sparingly, and positive use of the word 'no'. After unpacking each of these important aspects we move on to the related topics of healthy boundaries, creating real freedom for a child, praise, and learning through imitation. A big takeaway from today's conversation and one that we underline at the end is the need for transformation within the adult, and the somewhat obvious responsibility we have when setting an example for children. So for all of these helpful and inspiring thoughts, be sure to join us today!

Key Points From This Episode:

The idea of speaking less and why to think about using fewer words when communicating something important.
Speaking slowly and allowing children the time to process what is said.
Practices around speaking the truth and leading by example in this regard.
Why Stephen recommends avoiding the word 'but' as much as possible.
The use of the word 'no'; creating safe and healthy boundaries for children.
Creating true freedom and allowing children to exercise creativity within a framework.
Stephen's thoughts on the best ways to communicate with children around achievement.
Leading by example when trying to help children learn good behaviors and manners.
Creating good habits by allowing children to learn through imitation.
A final message from Stephen about the necessary transformation within the adult.

Stephen Spitalny's Books
-Conscious Parenting: A Guide to Living with Young Children
- Connecting with Young Children: Educating the Will
- What's the Story? Storytelling with Young Children as a Path Toward Living Happily Ever
After
We Nurture Collective

We Nurture on Instagram

We Nurture on Facebook

LifeWays North America

Stephen Spiltany

Stephen Spiltqny on Twitter

Santa Cruz Waldorf School

Conscious Parenting: A Guide to Living with Young Children on Amazon

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Bossy and Aggressive Behavior Towards Siblings Jun 03, 2022

In this episode, I talk about my parenting experience with bossy and aggressive behavior. I discuss the importance of having unconditional love, compassion, and empathy as a way to understanding how our child's behavior stems from their internal fears and desire to control (because of their fears).
In sharing my personal story my hope is that it will help you if you are facing this kind of behavior. If you think my story and advice might help a family member or friend, please share it with them.
Throughout the episode, I challenge you to shift how you view aggressive behavior to see that what your child is actually needing, is actually asking for is you. They’re asking for your unconditional love, your compassion, your empathy, your understanding and your kindness.

Key Points From This Episode:

My personal experience with bossy and aggressive behavior
The power of judgment-free observation.
A consistent approach to moving through the locked aggressive feelings of a toddler.
How to understand your child’s behavior with unconditional love and empathy.
How to support all your children when one is hurting from the actions of their sibling.
Remodeling aggressive actions to become respectful communication and healthy interactions.
The main goal when dealing with challenging behavior.
The importance of a parent’s kindness, empathy, unconditional love, and compassion.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

We Nurture Collective

We Nurture on Instagram

We Nurture on Facebook

The Three Little Deers and the Great Storm

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Instagram

How to Repair from Angry Outbursts Oct 29, 2021

Thanks for joining us on Q & A Friday! Today’s question is “What’s behind Angry outbursts and how to repair with your child." In todays episode I'll give tips and strategies for dealing with angry outbursts in the moment and how to prevent them from happening in the future. Listen to today's episode to hear about ways that you can be in control and also repair after an angry outburst.

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Why Learning Through Imitation is Significant to Childhood Development Mar 04, 2021

Why Learning Through Imitation is Significant to Child Development

Episode S3E14: Show Notes.

Learning through imitation is significant to childhood development, but children don’t choose which examples to imitate, which can create challenges for parents and teachers. Today we sit with Stephen Spiltany, an influential teacher and author in the Waldorf education space. In this episode Stephen serves as a guiding voice, sharing details on why children imitate, how their imitations aren’t based on virtue but rather the result, and ways parents and teachers can cultivate methods that’ll lead to constructive imitation. We begin the show by hearing why it is crucial to understand the role of imitation for young children. After understanding that imitation is the primary way young children learn, Stephen tells us why children sometimes imitate the worst parts of their parents. Although adults can make themselves into better humans through their own decision-making processes and efforts, children don’t have the neurological development to achieve this. Stephen tells us that it’s the mindfulness and awareness of teachers and parents that can help children imitate positively. He goes on to detail how teachers and parents can create change in the imitation habits of children, but reminds listeners that change is an eventual outcome and cannot be made after one lesson. To hear more about child development through imitation, tune in with us today!

Key Points From This Episode:

Introducing our returning guest, Stephen Spiltany.
Why it is crucial to understand the role of imitation for young children.
How seeing children imitate the worst parts of a parent can be triggering for the parent.
Why “autopilot” mode is often the example parents offer to their children.
The importance of developing yourself as a parent or teacher.
Why imitation is so significant from a developmental perspective.
How habits become ingrained in children.
Why children can’t learn a new habit the first time around.
How to cultivate better practices to encourage new, better imitations from children.

Stephen Spitalny's Books
-Conscious Parenting: A Guide to Living with Young Children
- Connecting with Young Children: Educating the Will
- What's the Story? Storytelling with Young Children as a Path Toward Living Happily Ever
After

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

We Nurture Collective

We Nurture on Instagram

We Nurture on Facebook

LifeWays North America

Stephen Spiltany

Stephen Spiltqny on Twitter

Santa Cruz Waldorf School
Books by Stephen Spitalny

Conscious Parenting: A Guide to Living with Young Children on Amazon

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Restorative Foods for Spring Jun 02, 2022

Today, the We Nurture Podcast is all about making your child blossom like a spring flower! We have the added pleasure of being joined by health and beauty coach, Jolene Hart.
Jolene speaks about the importance of getting your child into the rhythm of eating with the seasons from an early age. And that it’s possible to make healthy eating fun for them!
Tune in to hear Jolene's advice and tips from her own personal and professional experience.
Key Points From This Episode:

Jolene’s most important food recommendations to include in family meals.
Making healthy eating, vegetables in particular, fun for children.
Detoxing: why this is not a scary concept but one to be embraced.
A bit about Jolene’s research process.
How you can cultivate a foodie curiosity in your own home.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Jolene Hart Website

Jolene on Twitter

Eat Pretty: Nutrition for Beauty Inside and Out

Eat Pretty Live Well - A Guided Journal

Eat Pretty Everyday - 365 Daily Inspirations

Ignite Your Light

We Nurture Collective

We Nurture on Instagram

We Nurture on Facebook

The Three Little Deers and the Great Storm

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Instagram

Autumn Togetherness and Nurturing your Child Oct 28, 2021

Today on Seasonal Thursday, I’ll be talking about Togetherness in the Autumn and ways to nurture your child’s soul senses. In this episode, I’ll talk about the soul senses and how with your awareness of them you can discover ways to nurture these senses in autumn. This is for your child and you! As you nurture your child’s soul senses you’ll experience how this brings more togetherness in your family which will result in more presence and more gratitude for what makes life more meaningful. Tune in today to learn how to nurture togetherness this Autumn!

We Nurture Collective

We Nurture on Instagram

We Nurture on Facebook

The Three Little Deers and the Great Storm

Stories for Children Podcast

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Instagram

The Young Child's Developing Awareness of Self Feb 25, 2021

Today’s guest, Stephen Spiltany, has taught at the Santa Cruz Waldorf School since 1990. He offers courses and workshops worldwide, especially in Asia. He is also a parent and a grandparent and he has written three books and numerous articles about early childhood. In today’s episode, we go further into the development of young children as they discover and explore their awareness of self. Stephen takes us through what an undeveloped awareness of self is, with a comparison between that of an adult and that of a young child we broach the topic of the development of self, how we can recognize the sure signs of our child’s journey of discovering their sense of self, and he explains the concept of interoception. Stephen also shares with listeners about finding the balance between loving firmness and the appropriate distribution of autonomy, and the reasons why a developing child is unable to self-direct. Tune in today for all this and so much more, as we dive into this big topic on the essential aspects in creating connection and supportive development for our child.

Key Points From This Episode:

Stephen describes an undeveloped awareness of self in the adult versus the young child.
What helps us recognize that our child's sense of self is burgeoning: the arc of development.
How to consciously and kindly nurture your child's developing sense of self.
How the adult state of consciousness differs from that of a child; the dream consciousness.
Developing the sense of self and giving your child the option to “choose.
Stephen shares some insights into finding the balance of loving firmness.
How developing yourself as an adult will flow over and benefit your child.
How being mindful and present is an important practice as you observe your child develop.

Stephen Spitalny's Books
- Conscious Parenting: A Guide to Living with Young Children
- Connecting with Young Children: Educating the Will
- What's the Story? Storytelling with Young Children as a Path Toward Living Happily Ever After

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

We Nurture Collective

We Nurture on Instagram

We Nurture on Facebook

Stephen Spiltany

Stephen Spiltany on Twitter

Santa Cruz Waldorf School

Connecting With Young Children

Conscious Parenting

Website
Instagram

Nurturing Confidence in your Child Jun 01, 2022

Today on Inspirational Wednesday, I'll show you ways in which you can nurture your child's confidence and I'll share the value of raising a self-confident child, how to achieve this, and how a child’s early experiences lay the foundation for their life. For a child to be self-confident, they need to be given the freedom to experience new things in their world of “play“ and you, as their parent, need to allow them the opportunity to be governed by their own will. Moreover, parents need to practice what they preach, as children learn as much from observation as they do from activity. Make sure you tune in to hear how you can raise a self-confident child!
Key Points From This Episode:
• Self-confidence is developed and driven by the child’s own will (impulse and desire to do what interests them).
• Nurture your child’s will by giving them opportunities to help in daily life activities.
• Give your child plenty of time for unstructured play.
• Engaging a child’s will harnesses their inner strength and thus builds their confidence.
• As a parent, work on your own self-confidence.
• Mindfulness of your words and actions that are directed at your child.
• Being a strong role model for your child to imitate.

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How to Thrive Intentionally as a Family Oct 27, 2021

Today on Inspirational Wednesday, I'll be talking about ways that you can thrive intentionally as a family. Thriving intentionally begins with intentionally creating your family's culture. There are five key areas to begin thriving intentionally that I discuss in this episode. Those areas are predictability in your rhythm, communication to build trust, connecting to build a strong relationship, setting Boundaries, and your family’s values. Tune in to hear how these five areas can set you on the right path to thriving as a family.
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

We Nurture Collective

We Nurture on Instagram

We Nurture on Facebook

The Three Little Deers and the Great Storm

Website
Instagram

How Young Children Think with Stephen Spiltany Feb 18, 2021

A child’s development is an intricate process that has been refined through millions of years of evolution. Being present during developmental years is a major responsibility for a parent or caregiver, and understanding how one can guide the process is key to a healthy, growing child. Today I sit with Stephen Spiltany, who has taught at Santa Cruz Waldorf School since 1990. I open my conversation with Stephen by discovering the nuances of the child’s brain. Stephen talks about why children don’t have complex decision-making and planning skills, and he touches on the different systems of the brain, namely the Reptilian brain and the Limbic system. Following this, Stephen digs deeper as we explore the limbic system a little further. Through this, listeners will hear how they can adjust their parenting and caring styles. According to Stephen, a child’s job is to explore and try things out, while a parent’s job is to create loving boundaries. He continues this exploration by sharing ways you can approach children who struggle to receive instruction. To find out how you can lead through example, and much, much more, be sure to join us today!
In today's episode, you'll discover;

Why children don’t have complex decision-making and planning skills.
Stephen explains the three systems of the human brain.
Hear about how the prefrontal cortex has evolved over millions of years.
How an understanding of limbic system development can influence our parenting styles.
Ways parents and carers can meet the development needs of young children.
Approaching a child that dismisses your behavior as a good example.
Why children aren’t malicious but are rather looking for the adult’s attention.
Proactive things to say when disciplining a child.
Why it is best to wait for intellectual activity.
Stephen explains what intellectual activity is.

We Nurture Collective

We Nurture on Instagram

We Nurture on Facebook

LifeWays North America

Stephen Spiltany

Santa Cruz Waldorf School

Conscious Parenting: A Guide to Living with Young Children on Amazon

National Institutes of Health

Gray’s Anatomy on Amazon

Website
Instagram

What You Can Learn From Your Childs Drawings (part 2) May 31, 2022

Today on Blossoming Tuesday, I am continuing the discussion of how to understand your child's drawings. I'll explain the importance of being patient with your child and allowing them freedom of expression as they transition through their developmental stages. You will begin to understand that something as simple as the ability to draw a circular shape, sun-ray shapes, dots, and lines sees a child go through many processes and developmental stages. We start to understand the significance of drawing as allowing a child to begin their exploration of their path to self-discovery. We follow along as Chinyelu explains how drawings can represent ego-consciousness, self-awareness, and cognitive connections. We are left with many examples and interpretations of the meaning behind drawings. Tune in to understand how to use these interpretations to better understand your child!

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How to Support your Blossoming 3 Year Old Oct 26, 2021

Today on Blossoming Tuesday, we focus on the three-year-old’s language development and developing imagination, as well as their inner desire to play with other children and have friends. We provide insight into how you can guide them in their play interactions, and support them as they develop social skills. This is an extremely formative time that comes with many challenges. Your three-year-old is experiencing “the emergence of self” for the very first time, and is acting from a place of sympathy and antipathy. Join us for an enlightening discussion on the fundamental developments of the three-year-old, and what you can do to provide your child with the safe anchor that they need, as they continue to blossom.
Connect with us on instagram @we_nurture! If you love this podcast, please rate, review and subscribe because this helps us reach more parents.!
We Nurture Collective

We Nurture on Instagram

We Nurture on Facebook

The Three Little Deers and the Great Storm

Stories for Children Podcast

Website
Instagram

Parenting with Greater Consciousness Feb 11, 2021

Today I sit down with Stephen Spitalny to talk about parenting with greater consciousness. As an early childhood educator, author, lecturer, and consultant, Stephen walks us through each layer of greater consciousness using his book Conscious Parenting: A guide to living with young children, as a reference. We begin our conversation by finding out more about Stephen and his background. Following this, we turn our focus toward the introduction of Stephen’s book and his intentions for writing it. He touches on why the essential gesture of the human being is the activity of connecting before telling us all the ways we can connect with ourselves. Stephen continues by sharing what inspired him to spread his message, as he refers to a powerful anecdote and how his experience inspired him to help adults discover effective and supportive ways of communicating with children. In the latter half of the episode, Stephen talks about connecting with your own consciousness and how being mindful or present is a pathway to cultivating this connection. To find out more about Stephen’s thoughts on parenting with greater consciousness, be sure to tune!

You can find more about Stephen and the books he has published at chamakanda.com
Conscious Parenting: A Guide to Living with Young Children
Connecting with Young Childen: Educating the Will
What's the Story? Storytelling with Young Children as a Path Toward Living Happily Ever After
Stephen Spitalny's Books
- Conscious Parenting: A Guide to Living with Young Children
- Connecting with Young Children: Educating the Will
- What's the Story? Storytelling with Young Children as a Path Toward Living Happily Ever After
We Nurture Collective

We Nurture on Instagram

We Nurture on Facebook

Stephen Spitalny

Stephen Spitalny on Twitter

Conscious Parenting: A guide to living with young children on Amazon
Speaking with the Young Child Through the Kindergarten Years

Wynstones Press

Website
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Cultivating a Habit of Eating Wholesome Food May 30, 2022

Today on Mindful Monday, I will be exploring what it means to cultivate a habit of mindful eating. You will learn, through my personal stories and tips, what wholesome food is and how to introduce it into your children's lives. First, I'll begin with the understanding that food needs to be seen as much more than just what we eat. I will guide you through what a good relationship with food looks like and how to foster this in your children. Secondly, I will share insight into the healing properties and connections that come with being present in all aspects of your food purchasing, preparation, and eating. I will then share tips on how joy, gratitude, and experiences shape the way your child will grow up thinking about food. Tune in to explore all the ways you can help your child connect with wholesome food!
Key Points From This Episode:

Understanding Chinyelu’s inspiration behind the book, Farmhouse Manna.
A background of her relationship with food and her love for cooking and gardening.
The importance behind our intentions when preparing and eating a meal.
Exploring what it means to feel our soul senses.
How children develop life skills by participating in meal preparation and food shopping.
The power of observing our child's reactions and behavior towards different foods.
Rhythm, repetition, and joy allow a child to develop a positive relationship with food.
Minimizing pressure around finishing food

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Creating a Weekly Rhythm and the Mood of Each Day Oct 25, 2021

Today on Mindful Monday, I’ll be talking about the mood and energy of each day and how harmonizing with it supports your daily and weekly rhythms. Have you noticed that on some days it’s harder to get certain things done while on other days everything goes so much smoother? If you’ve experienced this, then you might just find that having awareness of and working with each day’s mood and energy to be helpful. Tune in today to learn more about working with each day's energy to create a smoother weekly rhythm!
Download the Six-Step Action Guide here

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Tantrums: Nurturing ways to help your child Feb 04, 2021

As difficult as they can be to manage, tantrums are a normal part of childhood development. In this question-and-answer episode, we have dedicated the full duration of the show to tantrums. We find out what they are, where they come from, and how we, as parents, can handle them. Engaging our children during a tantrum might seem like a logical next step, but in this episode, we explain why that might not necessarily be the case. When it comes to coping with tantrums, it’s about striking a balance. We take time to discuss what this balance is and why the extremes on either side of it are easy to fall into. Don’t worry though, because we also take a look at the role of the parent and find out what qualities are most useful for dealing with tantrums, which include an understanding of brain development, providing a healthy day rhythm, holding boundaries, listening with compassion, and having empathy. Following this, we look at tantrums through a biological lens, finding out more about the prefrontal cortex and its accompanying limbic system and reptilian brain. Toward the end of the episode, we touch on the importance of rhythms, listening with compassion as a skill, and why empathy is a major game-changer.

Key Points From This Episode:

Introducing today’s Q&A topic: Tantrums - Nurturing ways to help your child.
Why tantrums are normal.
What tantrums actually mean and when they can manifest.
What happens when we engage our children or contemplation or conversation.
Finding a balance with your child and the way they use tantrums.
Understanding the role of the parent and brain development.
The prefrontal cortex and its purpose.
Why rhythm is good for young children.
Why healthy boundaries are necessary.
Listening with compassion is a skill.
Why empathy is a useful tool.

We Nurture Collective

We Nurture on Instagram

We Nurture on Facebook

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How to End Non-Stop Begging May 27, 2022

Today is Q&A Friday on The We Nurture Podcast and our Instagram followers voted for todays topic on how to end non-stop begging. First, I’ll discuss why begging is a learned behavior and the importance of teaching your child to accept your decision. I also discuss why suppressing your child’s emotions is not helpful for establishing healthy communication. Next, I’ll talk about how you can calm yourself and really listen to your child and then I’ll go through some steps you can take to help your child stop begging. I’ll look into three examples of how you can help your child learn to wait before discussing three things you can avoid doing in a begging situation. Finally, I’ll discuss the role you may be playing in modeling this learned behavior and encourage you to self-reflect in order to help your child learn how to wait. Tune in to end your child’s begging today!

Key Points From This Episode:

Why begging is a learned behavior.
The importance of teaching children to accept their parents’ decisions.
The importance of allowing your children to express their emotions and not suppressing them.
Establishing healthy communication.
Some steps to help you stop your child’s begging.

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Must Have Parenting Books and Advice for Discipline in the Early Years Oct 22, 2021

Welcome to We Nurture Podcast’s Q&A Friday, where each week we answer questions that you submit to our Instagram page or website. This week we answer the question “What parenting books or authors do you recommend, for discipline and the early years?”. Tune in to hear the top seven books Chinyelu recommends, and which chapters in each most resonated with her. Chinyelu also breaks down why discipline and the early years cannot be separated, and the importance of paying attention to your child’s daily experiences. Join us as we dive into how discipline affects both the child and the parent, and what you can do to ensure you discipline your child in the most nurturing way. Find out how your self-discipline and your upbringing can both affect the way you discipline your child. Finally, remember that you are your child’s first teacher! Don’t miss out on this information-packed episode.
Discovering Joy in Parenting: The First Seven Years

Heaven on Earth: A Handbook for Parents of Young Children

With Stars in Their Eyes: Brain Science and Your Child’s Journey toward the Self

Beyond Discipline: From Compliance to Community

The Soul of Discipline: The Simplicity Parenting Approach to Warm, Firm, and Calm Guidance- Toddler to Teen

Stress-Free Parenting in 12 Steps

Beyond the Rainbow Bridge: Nurturing Our Children from Birth to Seven

We Nurture Collective

We Nurture on Instagram

We Nurture on Facebook

The Three Little Deers and the Great Storm

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Your Parenting Questions Answered Jan 28, 2021

In today’s episode, we answer some of your biggest parenting questions. To begin with, we address what you should do when your child or a child who is in care is screaming. Listeners will benefit from a range of tips that touch on why you should never scream back, along with pragmatic questions that will help calm the situation. You will also learn about children’s needs and discover the reasons behind their yelling. The second question we answer is on the topic of boys playing with dolls. We dive into why it’s healthy for boys to play with toys like these and explain how it helps boys move through tough life experiences while instilling empathy. In the latter half of the show, we discuss how you can handle siblings who fight over toys. We provide a range of strategies that cover the dos and don’ts, which are especially important to consider if you want to avoid sibling rivalry and jealousy. The last question we answer is about sensory play ideas for two-year-olds. Together, we learn how children in the early childhood phase go through life in a state of play, and why a sense of life, touch, movement, and balance are all important. To hear more details on each question, be sure to join us today!
Key Points From This Episode:
• Today, we answer some top parenting questions.
• What parents should do to stop their child screaming at them.
• Why you should never scream back at your child.
• Important lines to say when your child is yelling at you.
• Some of the varied reasons that children yell.
• We’re asked about boys playing with dolls.
• Why playing with a doll creates good human behaviors.
• How playing with dolls can help boys with their life challenging experiences.
• Another listener wants to know how to stop their kids from fighting over toys.
• Hear how you can make sure fighting children feel understood and not judged.
• We answer; do you have recommendations on timeouts?
• What studies have found about timeouts.
• A useful phrase to say to your child when they are in timeout.
• Hear about sensory play ideas for two-year-olds.
• How to implement a sense of life, touch, movement, and balance.
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
We Nurture Collective

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We Nurture on Facebook

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Waldorf Home Rhythms May 28, 2020

Take a journey into a Waldorf home to learn about structuring a rhythmical day. Explore what the benefits are and how and where to start when developing a routine that is good for the whole family.

To discover more about We Nurture visit wenurturecollective.com

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Spring Rituals to Refresh, Restore, and Reconnect May 26, 2022

Today on Seasonal Thursday, I'll discuss how to create spring rituals as a way to refresh, restore, and reconnect. Spring is known as a time for an evaluation of what we should keep and let go of, mindfully connecting to areas in our life that need focus. I'll explore how these rituals are a way to inspire fresh ideas and shift focus in the home, body, and soul. During today’s episode, you will learn how to implement a slow and intentional daily practice and the benefits it has for a child’s well-being. With the goal of creating self-care, love, and joy, you'll understand how consistency and predictability are key to nurturing your child's growth. Don’t know where to start? Tune in to learn simple and effective techniques to create mindful and engaging day-to-day practices.

Key Points From This Episode:

The positive outcomes of using spring rituals for refreshing and restoring your home, body, and soul.
How you and your child can nurture areas of your day-to-day life with valuable intentions.
How cornerstones and healthy rhythms promote balance in a child’s life.
Exploring the importance and benefits of creating rituals.
How rhythm, reverence, and rituals lead to peace, calm, and joy.
Incorporating spring rhythms into your rituals to promote reconnection to increase a child’s wellbeing.
How to use each day to focus on individual rituals.
Four examples of simple, consistent rituals to create and shape your own daily practice.
Rituals that nourish your body.
The importance of mindfulness when creating new rituals for your child.

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Mothering, Coziness and Warmth in Autumn Oct 21, 2021

As we move into autumn, with longer shadows and colder mornings, we become more naturally inclined towards coziness. Let this be a pathway for your love and connection with your little one to grow deeper and warmer too. In today’s Seasonal Thursday episode, we are looking at mothering, coziness, and warmth in autumn! There are many things you can do to create a feeling of warmth in your home, from physical actions and words, to delicious sensory vegetables and food experiences. You can also invite a nourishing connection to the earth by creating a dedicated nature corner in your home, and share the magic of tending to this corner together. We also dive into mothering your little one’s physical warmth, why their growing bodies scientifically need us to care for their temperature, and the importance of practical morning layers. There are tons of cozy suggestions and wonderful ideas for you to try, so begin your autumn adventure and snuggle into the love by listening in today!
To help you get started with creating your family’s nature corner, we have a limited selection of nature dyed silks to get you started. You’ll find them on the website linked below.

We Nurture Collective

We Nurture on Instagram

We Nurture on Facebook
The Three Little Deers and the Great Storm

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Your Parenting Questions Answered Jul 29, 2021

In this episode, I answer parenting questions that a few We Nurture parents sent to us some weeks ago. From time to time on We Nurture Instagram we ask you about parenting challenges that you would like support with and I answer them on the podcast.
Questions answered in this episode:

My 4-year-old screams and throws things during tantrums. Is that normal?
Tips and suggestions for potty learning?
How can I cut down or just get rid of screen-time for my 3-year-old?
My 3-year-old plays with food at mealtime. What should I do?
How can I help my daughter who is feeling anxious?

If there are parenting challenges that you're facing and need support, I'm here to help you figure out the root cause and give you clear, practical solutions to implement. You can sign up for a parenting coaching session on our website www.wenurturecollective.com

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Storytelling in the Home Dec 31, 2020

Storytelling in the home is an enlivening experience. It helps us to connect with our children thru the imagination and deepens our relationship in profound and valuable ways. The beauty of storytelling in the home is that it nourishes everyone. It connects the family to each other and can bring humor and healing to a challenging day or moment in the day. Storytelling is good sustenance for us all. In this episode, Molly brings the art of storytelling alive through imaginative, descriptive words, rhymes and songs.

Music is “Dance With Me” and “Naive” by Sergey Cheremisinov.

To join one of our online courses, ask a parenting question, book a one-on-one consultation or join our community please visit wenurturecollective.com

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LifeWays: Cultivating Simplicity in Daily Life Jul 30, 2020

When we cultivate simplicity and spaciousness in our daily life, we invite thoughtful presence, patience, and calm in our home.

Join us in our conversation with Cynthia Aldinger, Founder of LifeWays North America as she artfully describes how we can craft a life of simplicity. By balancing the choices that we make through careful thought and reflection, we can create space for nourishing life activities to flow in and out.

Booked mentioned by Cynthia include Simplicity Parenting by Kim John Payne, The Frog King A Grimms Fairytale, and Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor-Frankl.

To discover more please visit lifewaysnorthamerica.org, wenurture.us, and kimberton.org

Music is Glacier Bells by Daniel Birch.

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How Do We Find Inner Peace, Beauty, and Goodness In Challenging Times? May 21, 2020

Join Chinyelu Kunz and Molly MacDonald for an in-depth conversation on why inner peace, beauty, and goodness are especially needed in these challenging times. In this episode you will gain tools and tips to support daily life with your young child!

About our Guest, Molly MacDonald:

Molly found her way to Waldorf Early Childhood education through her work in special education. During her work in special education, she was able to integrate a child with learning differences into a small mixed-age class in a private school where the teacher was a Waldorf teacher. It was under the guidance of this teacher that Molly learned that education could be gentle and she was inspired. Over the years, she has worked with friends in creating a community parent and child program, handwork groups, community festivals, and study groups. Molly found her way to River Valley Waldorf school six years ago and worked as an assistant in the Kindergarten. Later she moved into parent-child work and now teaches children ages 2 to 3 in the nursery program.

To discover more about Rosebud Garden please visit farmhousemanna.com and kimberton.org

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Why Conscious Parenting Matters May 01, 2023

Parenting wakes us up, sometimes in jarring ways especially when we begin to be more aware of our actions and behavior. In fact, it can sometimes be a surprise to us. It can be frustrating, scary, confusing and leave us feeling helpless. When we become conscious of our behavior, our words and actions we see that we actually have a choice, we can choose to raise our consciousness and live in alignment with the person we’re striving to become. Being conscious brings us closer to making the changes that we want to see in ourselves.

In this episode, I dive into talking about 10 ways you can parent with greater consciousness. The 10 ways I focus on are;

Becoming conscious of your behavior, words, actions, and gestures.
Working on self-development.
Working on your personal challenges and triggers.
Modeling behavior you want to see in your child.
Creating healthy home rhythms.
Slowing down and simplifying daily routines.
Communicating clearly and limiting choices
Being intentional with your words & limiting adult information
Listening with interest
Having Compassion and Empathy for your child’s big feelings

There’s a lot that I cover in this episode, including where I describe a foundation that’s needed for the young child’s healthy development.

I hope you’ll join me!

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Building a Trusting Relationship with your Child May 25, 2022

Trust is the foundation of all relationships. Today on inspirational Wednesday on the We Nurture Podcast, I am helping you find ways to build a trusting relationship with your child. First, I’ll discuss why trust is so important for the development and blossoming of children and look at what happens when there is no trust between children and parents. I’ll then talk about how to build trust with your child in the early years of infancy and toddlerhood before discussing how keeping your word and building a healthy rhythm builds trust. Lastly, Ill delve into a few other ways to build trust and look into some signs that your child trusts you. Tune in to be inspired to build a trusting relationship with your child!

Key Points From This Episode:

Why trust is essential for children.
What happens when there is no trust between parent and child.
How to build trust with your child in the early childhood years.
The importance of thinking before you speak as a parent to build a trusting relationship.
How a healthy rhythm or structure to the day builds trust.

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How to Parent with Confidence Oct 20, 2021

We all want to parent our child with consciously and intentionally, but this is so much easier said than done. Today's episode on this Inspirational Wednesday is the elusive but crucial topic of confident parenting. We start with some reflective questions about what parenting style you learned from in your upbringing, and move into some specific qualities that we can use to help us strengthen our parenting style to one which feels safe for and child. Next, we explore ideas around what it means to own your role as the parent, how to have clarity and security around decisions, and how insecurity can cause anxiety that the child might act out in other ways. I share my favorite quote from Scott Noelle, who gives some extraordinary and very sound advice on the concept of not asking questions when we know the answer. This is a very important topic and I'm so glad you could join me today. Press play and let's dive in!

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The Key to More Joyful Days with your Child Part 2 Jul 22, 2021

Every child is unique, which means they will each have different preferences and different ways of operating in the world. However, something that is true for all children is that rhythm and routine create a sense of safety and security, and are incredibly beneficial to a child's wellbeing. In today’s episode, which is part 2 of the previous episode (go and have a listen to that one first, if you haven’t yet), Chinyelu runs through an example of what a day in the life for you and your child could look like if you put some simple daily rituals into place. Chinyelu shares many wonderful ideas for creating consistent daily rituals that will not only benefit your child but you as well. From your first interaction in the morning, through lunch, to your final moment with them in the evening; each one plays an important role in establishing your child’s foundation and their relationship with you.
IN THIS EPISODE WE COVER:

How to create rituals around each part of the day + examples
How you can implement pauses in your child’s day, and why you should.
Benefits of giving your child 30 minutes of your undivided attention in the morning, from Chinyelu’s personal experience.
The importance of practicing self-care, which is something parents often forget to do.
… and so much more!

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Celebrations and Festivals Dec 17, 2020

Celebrations and festivals, offer us time to create nurturing moods of reverence, gratitude, and joy for our family. Showing up with our authentic self brings life to how we celebrate because young children are able to sense our thoughts and feelings and even the meanings behind in our gestures.

Today, Chinyelu sits down with Cynthia Aldinger, Founder of LifeWays North America, to talk about celebrations and festivals and the vital role they play in the lives of children, and indeed all of us! Everyday life and its routines can be beautiful, powerful, and special, but the yearly escapes from the mundane through the celebration of holidays, birthdays, and special occasions mark our lives with something both extraordinary yet familiar. These rituals and practices help to center a child's life through their repetition, and the realization that a certain time of the year is coming around again can create excitement, appreciation, and a certain type of awareness that is not easily imitated. In our conversation, we break down what can make these rituals special, how to get away from the stressful side of celebration and planning, and ways in which to foster your own unique festivals. Cynthia reminds us that there is nothing wrong with mimicking what you see elsewhere and that over time you are able to own these processes and traditions, in a way that feels true to your family's needs. We talk about how we as parents and teachers can continue these habits even beyond the needs of our children, as they grow up and move out into the world. Celebrations and festivals are important to all of us and although we like to look at them through the lens of the benefits they bring to younger ones, these special occasions can be very meaningful for any person, at any stage of life!

Key take-a-ways In this Episode:

A few thoughts on the importance of celebrations and festivals in family life.
Igniting excitement about celebrations and experiencing them through the eyes of children.
The expected overwhelm that comes when creating a seasonal festival.
Mimicking and then owning, over time, what others do.
The power of childhood memories of celebrations.
The value of repetition.
How Cynthia has continued with special celebrations after her children have grown up.
Why we need celebrations.

Music is “Dance With Me” by Sergey Cheremisinov.

To join one of our online courses, ask a parenting question, book a one-on-one consultation or join our community please visit wenurturecollective.com and lifewaysnorthamerica.org

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LifeWays: Creating Your Family Culture Part 3 Jul 23, 2020

Although we don’t always pay much attention to culture, it’s always there. It holds us, sustains us, and informs the way we act, feel, and think about the world.

How do we intentionally craft a family culture that reflects our values? How do we practice those values every day with our children? And how do we continue to hold true to these values as our family grows and individual needs change?

LifeWays’ online course - ‘Creating Your Family Culture - An Elemental Approach’ offers very down to earth and yet imaginative ways that guide you as you create your family’s culture. Working with the elements of Earth, Water, Air, and Fire, you’ll create ways of living that considers and envelopes each family member in shared values in a positive way that includes life-affirming practices.

To discover more please visit lifewaysnorthamerica.org and kimberton.org

Music is Glacier Bells by Daniel Birch.

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Experience A Day In A Waldorf Early Childhood Classroom Apr 23, 2020

Join Chinyelu Kunz in this episode to experience a day at Rosebud Garden, Kimberton Waldorf School’s pre-kindergarten program for 2 to 4-year-olds. From the outside play yard, garden, and forest to the classroom environments, daily rhythms, and activities, you will gain a deeper understanding of what makes Waldorf Early Childhood education Waldorf!

To discover more about Rosebud Garden please visit farmhousemanna.com and kimberton.org

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Creating a Waldorf Inspired Home using the Waldorf-Home-Schooling Method Apr 24, 2023

You're in for a real treat in this episode!
Listen in to my in-depth conversation with guest Catherine Read, PhD author of 'The Genius of Home' - Teaching Your Children At Home With The Waldorf Curriculum.
Catherine and I met about 30 years ago when we attended a Waldorf Playgroup at a Waldorf school in Southern California and then after moving across the country we reconnected again on the East Coast when we both moved at different years to Pennsylvania. Catherine and I share immense respect for the Waldorf method not only for the curriculum but also for how it provides wise guidance for healthy family life and a way of living.
Catherine shares her experience homeschooling her two children with the Waldorf method and how this awakened her to her own self-development and how the child awakens to the world as well as the development of consciousness during childhood. Catherine also shares how she approached homeschooling her two children and so much more!
Whether you're thinking of homeschooling and/or want incorporate the Waldorf method or way of living in your home, listening to this episode is a great starting point.
I'll be going deeper into conversation with Catherine in my upcoming webinar with her on Saturday, April 29, 2023 from 1:30 - 2:30 pm EST. All who register will receive a Replay.
Register for our upcoming webinar: Homeschooling the Waldorf Way
When: April 29th at 1:30 EST (all registrants will receive the recording)
The Genius of Home
Learn more about Catherine’s work here

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What You Can Learn From Your Child's Drawings (part 1) May 24, 2022

The ability to understand your child's drawings gives you a new perspective into their own, private world. Today on Blossoming Tuesday, I explore drawing as a process of developing interconnections and expressing emotions through different shapes and images. I'll describe the positive exploration, expressive, and anchoring processes a child goes through by drawing. I will guide listeners through the sequences and phases of development to give a glimpse into the growth of a child's individuality. I will talk about how to better understand the beginning of a child’s thought, separation of their inner and outer world, and development into their own human being. Drawing is a unique experience through movement and impressions, and it allows us to follow along with a child on their developmental pathway. Tune in to discover why you should not ask a child to explain their drawings, but rather attempt to understand a child through their drawings.

Key Points From This Episode:

The positive, explorational processes children go through while drawing.
A look at children's developmental stages in relation to their drawings.
Looking at the early phase, middle phase, and late phase of children’s development.
The importance of a child’s experiences of drawing with no need for explanations.
How a sense of individuality and being human emerges through a child’s drawings.
The connections between the phases of a child’s drawings and their phases of play.
How to understand and follow the journey of the shapes and images your child draws.
Explaining different theories and potential meanings of different-shaped drawings.

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How to Help your 2 Year Old Blossom Oct 19, 2021

Today on Blossoming Tuesday, we speak about two-year-olds and highlight some of their developmental leaps and challenges. We discuss a few of the different ways in which your child is developing and how you can support them during this time of really big change. In this episode, you’ll find some wonderful insight into your child’s needs, and how creating rhythms will help to make this a time of joy for both you and your child. Coming to understand your two-year-old better, you’ll love seeing how they blossom, and you’ll look forward to what each day reveals about who they are becoming.
We Nurture Collective

We Nurture on Instagram

We Nurture on Facebook

Season 4 Episode 4: “How do Develop Healthy Sleep Rhythms for your Child”

The Three Little Deers and the Great Storm

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The Key to More Joyful Days with your Child Part 1 Jul 15, 2021

Rituals are acts that we come to with love and reverence. They become part of our daily rhythm when they are consistent when we can depend on them, and it’s this rhythmic approach that can be so valuable in guiding your child through the routines you establish each day. This episode is part one of two episodes on the topic of rituals and rhythms. Today, we explore how creating rituals can not only add significance and joy to your daily rhythmic activities but how they help reinforce the ties that connect your family. Listening in, you’ll hear some examples of the rituals that you can introduce and cultivate in your home, including lighting a candle at mealtimes, and why consistency and structure are key. Tune in today!
IN THIS EPISODE WE COVER:

Why rituals are important for young children
The importance of creating rituals and why consistency is key
Ideas for your personal morning ritual as well as your child's
What your breakfast ritual might look like
… and so much more!

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Nurturing Creativity in Early Childhood Dec 10, 2020

In this episode, Sharifa sheds light on the importance of art in our young child’s life as a creative activity that connects us to our past and future development as human beings. She delves into the connection between art and brain development, how we use art to communicate and why art and creativity are fundamentally human activities.

Music is “Dance With Me” and “Naive” by Sergey Cheremisinov.

To join one of our online courses, ask a parenting question, book a one-on-one consultation or join our community please visit wenurturecollective.com

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LifeWays: Creating Your Family Culture Part 2 Jul 16, 2020

Although we don’t always pay much attention to culture, it’s always there. It holds us, sustains us, and informs the way we act, feel, and think about the world.

How do we intentionally craft a family culture that reflects our values? How do we practice those values every day with our children? And how do we continue to hold true to these values as our family grows and individual needs change?

LifeWays’ online course - ‘Creating Your Family Culture - An Elemental Approach’ offers very down to earth and yet imaginative ways that guide you as you create your family’s culture. Working with the elements of Earth, Water, Air, and Fire, you’ll create ways of living that considers and envelopes each family member in shared values in a positive way that includes life-affirming practices.

To discover more please visit lifewaysnorthamerica.org and kimberton.org

Music is Glacier Bells by Daniel Birch.

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How to Transform Family Life Through Rituals Apr 09, 2020

Create your intentional family by connecting more deeply through family rituals. Creating healthy rituals brings enthusiasm, anticipation and joy to each day! Rituals not only add significance to our daily rhythmic activities they strengthen the ties that bind us as a family and children lovingly embrace the special touches that we intentionally create in daily life. It's a journey into developing ways to nurture and care for our family and ourselves - it's a form of self-care! Rituals are the antidote to the stresses in our world so what better time than now to create your family's own rituals! Join us to learn more about creating healthy rituals!

To discover more about Rosebud Garden please visit farmhousemanna.com and kimberton.org

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Navigating Boundary Expectations When Parenting Together Apr 17, 2023

Boundary expectations are connected to how parents choose to raise their children. The way you both think, the decisions you both make are informed, consciously or unconsciously, by what you both value and perhaps even more so, the personality traits you want to see in your child. But you both will not know what characteristics or traits are important to you unless you both talk about it. Because it takes being sensitive to each other’s perspective, communication is key. It's the best way to build a bridge of understanding and it means being sensitive to each other's perspective.
In this episode, I talk about three important steps to take and I give step and step advice to build a bridge that will help you and your spouse or partner come together with greater understanding. It's not only with boundary expectations that you will have differing opinions, there will be other aspects in parenting that will challenge how you communicate and this is why creating a foundation for how to communicate is so important.
Listen to hear more!

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Reconnecting with your Child at the End of the Day May 23, 2022

After a full day of work, school, or daycare, you and your child may have been apart for many hours. Today, on Mindful Monday, I'll share some strategies for reconnecting with your child at the end of the day. Firstly, I discuss how important it is to reconnect with yourself before you reconnect with your child. Next, you’ll learn a simple breathing exercise to help you do so and I'll discuss how important it is to slow your thoughts down in these moments. Lastly, you’ll discover four ways that you can reconnect with your child through physical touch, by creating rituals, and more. I hope you’ll join us!

Key Points From This Episode:

The importance of reconnecting with yourself before reconnecting with your child.
I'll offer a breathing exercise to help you reconnect with yourself.
How important it is to slow your thoughts down.
Four ways you can reconnect with your child.

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Why Your Words and Actions Matter Oct 18, 2021

Self-discipline is such a powerful tool because disciplining your children begins with disciplining ourselves, which is why today’s Mindful Monday topic is self-discipline and why your words and actions matter. We open with the comforting truth that we need to forgive ourselves as we strive to do and be better parents and you’ll learn how to shift your focus to yourself because learning begins at home. Mindfulness allows us to be less caught up in our own thoughts, and by giving your child your presence, you can be present with yourself. During this episode, you’ll find out how to move towards this in order to offer the appropriate response to each moment, discover the tools to help you to nurture self-discipline and tune into yourself, and how to invite self-observation into your daily life in order to develop this. Listen in today!

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How Much is Too Much Screen Time? Jul 08, 2021

In this episode, guest Meagan Rose Wilson and I discuss the physiological impacts of screen time and how to implement a gentler approach with your children. Meagan highlights the importance of not vilifying media and helping children understand when it’s appropriate to use it as a tool in life. We cover all this and more in today’s exploration of questions on how to manage screen time for your family, so make sure to tune in today!

IN THIS EPISODE WE COVER:

How to manage screen time with your children
How to hold boundaries with younger children and model a positive example
How screen time can negatively impact your child’s development
How to find the screen time rhythm that is best for your family

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How Nature Nurtures the Young Child Dec 03, 2020

Nature heals, nature is grounding, nature’s beauty reduces stress, nature awakens in young children a sense of wonder, mystery and joy! In this episode, Molly and I talk about how nature nurtures the young child’s senses and makes healthy development possible in both body and mind.

Music is “Dance With Me” by Sergey Cheremisinov.

To join one of our online courses, ask a parenting question, book a one-on-one consultation or join our community please visit wenurturecollective.com

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LifeWays: What is Family Culture? Jul 09, 2020

What is Family Culture?

Although we don’t always pay much attention to culture, it’s always there. It holds us, sustains us, and informs the way we act, feel, and think about the world.

How do we intentionally craft a family culture that reflects our values? How do we practice those values every day with our children? And how do we continue to hold true to these values as our family grows and individual needs change?

LifeWays’ online course - ‘Creating Your Family Culture - An Elemental Approach’ offers very down to earth and yet imaginative ways that guide you as you create your family’s culture. Working with the elements of Earth, Water, Air, and Fire, you’ll create ways of living that considers and envelopes each family member in shared values in a positive way that includes life-affirming practices.

To discover more please visit lifewaysnorthamerica.org and kimberton.org

Music is Glacier Bells by Daniel Birch.

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Finding Joy, Rhythm & Breath With Our Children In These Times Mar 30, 2020

In this episode, we will explore how we can cope with big adult emotions when anxiety overwhelms us. We'll give some tips to getting grounded and how through our in-breath and out-breath we can discover how to calm ourselves and our children. How can joy turn our days around, we'll also explore this together!

To discover more about Rosebud Garden please visit farmhousemanna.com and kimberton.org

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Creating a Waldorf Atmosphere at Home May 20, 2022

Today is Q&A Friday on the We Nurture Podcast, and I will be sharing tips on how to create a Waldorf atmosphere for your children at home. I'll discuss the foundation of the Waldorf education system and how you can begin to create a similar atmosphere in your home. You’ll learn how important it is to develop yourself as a parent, as well as how rhythm contributes to the Waldorf atmosphere, and I'll delve into what it means to embody a space before listing the three most important rooms in a house and what you can do to create a Waldorf atmosphere in them. Lastly, I'll list some helpful tips to turn your home into a Waldorf education-inspired space, so make sure to join me to make the most out of this incredible philosophy within your home!

Key Points From This Episode:

A few foundational insights into the Waldorf philosophy
How you can begin to create a Waldorf atmosphere in your home.
The importance of self-development in creating a Waldorf atmosphere.
How rhythm supports the creation of the physical space.
Kitchen: something to stand on to include your little ones in cooking and cleaning.
Family room: organize toys in baskets or shelves to develop an orderly way of thinking.
Bedroom: a less busy room that creates a peaceful and restorative environment.
Tips to help transform your home into a Waldorf-inspired atmosphere!

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Rituals for Better Family Mealtimes Oct 15, 2021

Welcome to Q&A Friday! Today’s question comes from a mom of a six-year-old and a two-year-old who is struggling to create a calm experience around the table. Family mealtimes can be challenging and chaotic while your children are young. During today’s episode, Chinyelu shares insightful, actionable tips on how to create an intentional ritual around the dinner table to facilitate boundaries, teach manners, and create engagement and connection between all the members of the family. Most importantly, setting the tone for a meaningful, calm experience rests on your words, actions, and gestures. We hope you join us today to hear more.

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The Vital Role of Play in a Child's Development Jul 01, 2021

The importance of play for the healthy development of a child cannot be overstated.⠀Research shows that play is essential for physical and emotional health,⠀promoting relationship-building skills, stimulation of the imagination,⠀and the overall wellbeing of a developing child.
In this episode, we cover the different types of play and their benefits. We explore some great outdoor play activity ideas and talk about the importance of the outdoors for both parents and children. Meagan has a wealth of valuable information to share and we hope you can put her knowledge into practice in your own homes!

IN THIS EPISODE WE COVER:

The four main different types of play, and the benefits of each one.
The value of open-ended toys
How to transition from indoor to outdoor activities with ease
Strategies for creating toys without spending too much money

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Meagan Rose Wilson on Instagram

Whole Family Rhythms

Rudolf Steiner Centre

Sydney Rudolf Steiner College

We Nurture Collective

We Nurture on Instagram

We Nurture on Facebook

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Playing with our Children Nov 19, 2020

In the last episode, Sharifa spoke about the importance of play for young children and she gave deep insights into why play is sacred for the young child. In this episode, Sharifa will talk about what kind of play parents should engage in with their child.

Sharifa is the author of multiple best-selling books: Heaven on Earth, Heaven on Earth: A Handbook for Parents of Young Children, and With Stars in their Eyes. She also worked collaboratively to create the book, What is a Waldorf Kindergarten. She was the founding teacher of the Charlottesville Waldorf School, Virginia, where she taught kindergarten for twenty-one years and served as daycare director of the early-childhood program. She has helped develop new teachers through mentoring and offering practicum and internship opportunities to the teacher-training students at Sunbridge College in New York. Recently she initiated a home-based kindergarten program, The Rose Garden. Sharifa also travels offering lectures and workshops to schools and parent groups. She is the mother of three grown sons, who were educated in the Waldorf tradition. Sharifa lives in an enchanted forest in Virginia.

Music is “Dance With Me” by Sergey Cheremisinov.

To join one of our online courses, ask a parenting question, book a one-on-one consultation or join our community please visit wenurturecollective.com

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LifeWays: Discipline with Loving Awareness Part 2 Jun 25, 2020

Many of us, as we become parents, have some idea of how we do NOT want to discipline our children. Then the children begin to arrive, either as our own children or the children in our care or classrooms, and we may find we are not as certain about what we WILL do when challenging behaviors arise. Rarely is there one tool that solves all situations. But one tool does stand at the foundation of all discipline tools that are meaningful and appropriate toward the sacred nature of our children. That is love. In the LOVE approach to Discipline with Loving Awareness, Cynthia Aldinger shares eight aspects of child guidance derived from the word LOVE as an acronym. They are Listening, Laughter/Humor, Order/Clarity, Objectivity, Versatility, Vulnerability, Energy, and Enthusiasm, and each of these topics has a number of tools to consider. In this conversation with Cynthia, we will hear about a few of these tools and the online course where you can explore more.

To discover more please visit lifewaysnorthamerica.org and kimberton.org

Music is Glacier Bells by Daniel Birch.

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The Sense of Self Movement Feb 24, 2020

Join Chinyelu Kunz and Molly Brett as they talk about the Senses. Waldorf Education addresses healthy human development from many perspectives and points of view and knowledge of the 12 senses are critical to understanding healthy human development. One of Rudolf Steiner’s many contributions is the understanding that we actually have 12 senses and after birth, they all require further development. Not only do the senses unite the inner and outer world in each one of us but they also make it possible for us as individuals to interact with others in healthy ways as well as be fully grounded in our bodies. It takes a long time for the senses to develop and there is a scaffolding of sorts that takes place as the Foundational, Middle and then Higher senses develop from birth to age 21. The development of the 4 Foundational senses, which are the Sense of Touch, the Sense of Life, the Sense of Self Movement, and the Sense of Balance, takes place during the time from birth to 7 and their healthy development is critical to the further development of the other senses. Join us as we begin the journey to understanding the 4 foundational senses. The Sense of Self Movement The Sense of Self Movement also known as Proprioception, informs us of where our body is in relation to one another - how? by the contracting and stretching of muscles and by compression of the joints. It also gives us a sense of our orientation in space. Proprioception is our body’s awareness of our muscles and joints. When we move our body, information about where our body is in space is made aware to us on a physical level. As Waldorf Early Childhood teachers, we recognize that young children need more movement - self-directed movement. More self-directed movement not only strengthens the young child’s proprioceptive sense but also speech development because there is a connection between speech and movement. Children who have lots of time for movement - several hours each day - often have fewer speech problems. As Waldorf Early Childhood teachers, we are also finding that children are spending more and more time watching television, using computers, iPads, and iPhones and that these experiences diminish their opportunities to play freely inside and outside. Supporting your young child’s movement development right from infancy, as they learn to roll over, sit, crawl walk, run and climb, supports them in their development as they build on their ability to speak, read, write, and beyond. Self-movement is essential to the young child’s developing body. Join us as we explore the Sense of Self Movement, ways to strengthen it as well as what gets in the way, and what signs to look for when your child needs support.

To discover more about Rosebud Garden please visit farmhousemanna.com and kimberton.org

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How to Help Your Child Have Better Sleep Mar 27, 2023

For young children sleep is a sacred time that needs to be protected. Sleep is often a vulnerable time for young children and when they need us by their side. In this episode, I talk about what it means to nurture your child’s sleep as soul care. How slowing down life supports a child in "digesting" their day and also in being able to let go of the day in order to fall asleep.
I touch on emotional overload and overwhelm and what happens when we view sleep as a holistic experience.
Join me for a different, perhaps wider perspective on how to help your child have better sleep.

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Connecting with the Energy of Spring + A Spring Rhythm May 19, 2022

Have you ever noticed changes within you as seasons change? Well, your child feels those changes too! Today is Seasonal Thursday on the We Nurture Podcast and I am talking about changes in your child during Spring. First off I'll discuss how spring affects children’s movements and growth. I also delve into how temperature changes can affect health and what your body craves in terms of nourishment from food. I then discuss how a child’s rhythm changes during spring as well as why it is so important to have a consistent rhythm to make your child feel safe while allowing it to be flexible. I'll give an example of a spring rhythm. Next, I talk about in-breath and out-breath activities as well as some ways to connect with the energy of spring. Lastly, I talk about how important time spent outside is for development and nourishment during this season. Join me for the full episode to learn more about how spring rhythms can be used to nurture your child.
Key Points From This Episode:

How spring affects children’s movements.
How spring affects your child’s growth.
The way in which the changes in temperature can affect your child’s health.
How your rhythm changes during spring.
The importance of rhythm for nurturing your child.
How we bring together a rhythm that’s predictable, consistent and still flexible.
The importance of sleep time for children.
An example of a spring rhythm.
Examples of in-breath and out-breath activities.
The importance of movement for children.
Some ways to connect with the energy of spring.
The importance of being outside during spring

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A Gentle Transition into Autumn Oct 14, 2021

Autumn is an important time of year, signaling the period when we start to bring the harvest in from our gardens and shift our thoughts and plans towards cosiness and warmth. Connecting with nature deepens our relationship with the seasons and, when we bring nature into our lives and homes, it enlivens not only our own but also our little ones’ experience of the seasons. Today, on Seasonal Thursday, we discuss the transition into autumn and some of the ways you can bring this special season into your home. From collecting leaves and flowers to reciting verses together and including your children in the meaningful work of caring for the home, there are many gentle ways to help young children cope with this transition and create rituals that feed their soul life with joy. Tune in today to learn more!
Festivals, Family and Food

We Nurture Collective

We Nurture on Instagram

We Nurture on Facebook

The Three Little Deers and the Great Storm

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How to Develop Healthy Sleep Rhythms for your Child Jun 24, 2021

Whether it’s nap time in the afternoon or bedtime at night, getting your child to sleep at any age can be a challenge. Today, we continue in our series of conversations that focus on the foundation of a Waldorf-inspired home life with Meagan Rose Wilson .

Listen to learn about the importance of establishing a rhythm or routine with your children, even when they're really young. Meagan gives a breakdown of how much sleep a child needs based on their age and we discuss how to adapt your routine for the different phases of your child’s life. To find out how to help your child fall asleep with greater ease, how to teach a child to fall asleep without you there, why you shouldn’t give up on nap time too soon, and how to handle a child getting up multiple times in the night, tune in today!
In this Episode We Cover:
How to adjust the bedtime rhythm as your infant becomes a toddler.

How parents can balance the bedtime rituals of children in different age groups.

How to handle a child getting up multiple times in the night.

A breakdown of how much sleep a child needs based on their age.

Meagan Rose Wilson

Meagan Rose Wilson on Instagram

Whole Family Rhythms

National Sleep Foundation

We Nurture Collective

We Nurture on Instagram

We Nurture on Facebook

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Instagram

The Importance of Play Nov 12, 2020

Our guest, Sharifa Oppenheimer is known for her research and books which focus on the early childhood development. In this episode, she speaks about the nature of play in early childhood and why play is so important for young children.

Sharifa is the author of multiple best-selling books: Heaven on Earth, Heaven on Earth: A Handbook for Parents of Young Children, and With Stars in their Eyes. She also worked collaboratively to create the book, What is a Waldorf Kindergarten. She was the founding teacher of the Charlottesville Waldorf School, Virginia, where she taught kindergarten for twenty-one years and served as daycare director of the early-childhood program. She has helped develop new teachers through mentoring and offering practicum and internship opportunities to the teacher-training students at Sunbridge College in New York. Recently she initiated a home-based kindergarten program, The Rose Garden. Sharifa also travels offering lectures and workshops to schools and parent groups. She is the mother of three grown sons, who were educated in the Waldorf tradition. Sharifa lives in an enchanted forest in Virginia.

Music is “Dance With Me” by Sergey Cheremisinov.

To join one of our online courses, ask a parenting question, book a one-on-one consultation or join our community please visit wenurturecollective.com

Website
Instagram

LifeWays: Discipline with Loving Awareness Part 1 Jun 25, 2020

Many of us, as we become parents, have some idea of how we do NOT want to discipline our children. Then the children begin to arrive, either as our own children or the children in our care or classrooms, and we may find we are not as certain about what we WILL do when challenging behaviors arise. Rarely is there one tool that solves all situations. But one tool does stand at the foundation of all discipline tools that are meaningful and appropriate toward the sacred nature of our children. That is love. In the LOVE approach to Discipline with Loving Awareness, Cynthia Aldinger shares eight aspects of child guidance derived from the word LOVE as an acronym. They are Listening, Laughter/Humor, Order/Clarity, Objectivity, Versatility, Vulnerability, Energy, and Enthusiasm, and each of these topics has a number of tools to consider. In this conversation with Cynthia, we will hear about a few of these tools and the online course where you can explore more.

To discover more please visit lifewaysnorthamerica.org and kimberton.org

Music is Glacier Bells by Daniel Birch.

Website
Instagram

The Sense of Life Jan 22, 2020

Join Chinyelu Kunz and Molly Brett as they talk about the Senses. Waldorf Education addresses healthy human development from many perspectives and points of view and knowledge of the 12 senses is critical to understanding healthy human development. One of Rudolf Steiner’s many contributions is the understanding that we actually have 12 senses and after birth, they all require further development. Not only do the senses unite the inner and outer world in each one of us but they also make it possible for us as individuals to interact with others in healthy ways as well as be fully grounded in our bodies. It takes a long time for the senses to develop and there is a scaffolding of sorts that takes place as the Foundational, Middle and then Higher senses develop from birth to age 21. The development of the 4 Foundational senses, which are the Sense of Touch, the Sense of Life, the Sense of Self Movement, and the Sense of Balance, takes place during the time from birth to 7 and their healthy development is critical to further development of the other senses. Join us as we begin the journey to understanding the 4 foundational senses. The Sense of Life The Sense of Life is felt inwardly especially when our body is out of balance or not functioning well. Are you hungry? tired? in pain? restless? When we have these experiences then our sense of life lets us know that our body needs nurturing so that we can return to health and harmony. We cannot rely on our young child to tell us when something is off-balance in their body or doesn't feel quite right. We can see it in their behavior! Meltdowns, irritable and grumpy moods, crying, lack of interest, negotiating, obsessive and compulsive behavior as well as other behaviors that give us clues. In this episode we'll talk about the sense of life, ways to strengthen it as well as what gets in the way, and what signs to look for.

To discover more about Rosebud Garden please visit farmhousemanna.com and kimberton.org

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How Observing Your Child Can Make You a Better Parent Mar 20, 2023

Over 30 years ago when I was first introduced to Waldorf education I heard about the immense value of observing my children and how it would help me know them better.

This concept was new to me as a valuable parenting tool. I was intrigued and decided to try it out. In this episode, I share what I learned from observing my children. I also talk about a good starting place should you choose to practice observing your child as a way to know them better.

I'm so glad you've joined me!

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How to Create Boundaries May 18, 2022

Watch the video version on Youtube
For this episode of Inspirational Wednesday, we are unpacking the important concept of setting boundaries with your child. You can expect to hear all about how to create and hold healthy boundaries, with a focus on kindness, connecting, and love. It should come as no surprise that boundaries are absolutely necessary, as they help to build trust and put your child on the path towards a manageable adulthood. In this episode we look at boundaries from two different angles; firstly giving three points of consideration before setting up a boundary, and then the three steps that you can implement when holding and reinforcing the limitation you have put in place. Listeners will come away with some great practical tips for certain scenarios, as well as a few reminders about what it means to model healthy behavior, so make sure to join us to hear it all!
Key Points From This Episode:

Implementing a proactive approach to creating boundaries instead of a reactive one.
Using a loving and kind approach to setting boundaries with a child.
The importance of a child's age, development, and personality when setting boundaries.
Why consistency is so vital in determining the efficacy of a boundary.

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Overcoming Mom Guilt Oct 13, 2021

Head to over to our website wenurturecollective.com to download todays printable on mom guilt.
Mom guilt comes in many forms. You might feel like you are not doing enough, that you are making the wrong decisions for your child, or even as if you are just not parenting in the “right” way. Today, on Inspirational Wednesday, we offer you some practical advice to help you overcome mom guilt and be the best parent you can be for your little ones. From honoring your emotions to leaning on your community and using your truth as an anchor, there is so much that you can start doing today to care for and nurture yourself just as much as you care for and nurture your child. Make sure to tune into this inspirational episode to learn more about taking those first steps!
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Mom Guilt Worksheet

We Nurture Collective

We Nurture on Instagram

We Nurture on Facebook

The Three Little Deers and The Great Storm

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Creating Calm Mealtimes Jun 17, 2021

In today’s episode, we continue our series with Meagan Rose Wilson, a parent
educator, author, and mother of four. Meagan has supported hundreds of parents to create a
strong family rhythm unique to their own values and culture and, today, she applies her expertise to the subject of mealtimes. We discuss how to make mealtimes calmer and how
to instill more intention into the experience to help it become the most treasured part of the day. You’ll find out how to cultivate and enrich your relationship and your children’s relationship with food and how to nurture this through gardening, and Meagan explains the value of meal planning to save time and reduce stress, providing a number of helpful meal and snack ideas. Listen in to learn how to model the type of behavior you expect, teach table manners, keep small children seated at the table for the duration of the meal, and stimulate and encourage the types of conversation you want to have at the dinner table. Establishing mealtime rituals can create a sense of calm and reverence, so make sure to tune in to discover some of the rituals that work for us!
Key Points From This Episode:
• An introduction to the series with Meagan and how it ties into the Waldorf philosophy.
• Today’s topic: instilling family mealtimes with calmness, intention, ritual, and reverence.
• How to nurture a child's relationship with food through gardening.
• Why Meagan doesn’t believe in demonizing or banning any one specific ingredient.
• The value of meal planning to save time and reduce stress.
• Meagan provides a number of meal and snack ideas.
• How we can bring greater mindfulness to mealtimes and create more calm at the dinner table.
• Tips for creating rituals to set the tone for the meal.
• How to stimulate and encourage appropriate conversation in small children.
• How to model the type of behavior you expect at the dinner table.
• Some ideas for some other mealtime rituals you can create.
• Advice for teaching table manners; the importance of modeling.
• Methods for keeping children seated at the table for the meal, such as the candle ritual.

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How Technology Affects Our Well Being Nov 05, 2020

In this episode, Dr Adam Blanning joins us for a conversation on technology. We are living in a time where technology is becoming ever more present in daily life. It’s vital to be informed about its effects on the well being of young children.

Dr. Blanning practices integrative and anthroposophic family medicine in Denver, Colorado where he started his holistic medical practice in 2003. Dr. Blanning lectures and teaches nationally and internationally on topics relating to holistic medicine and the dynamics of human development, with a special interest in supporting children. He is the author of “Understanding Deeper Developmental Needs: Holistic Approaches for Challenging Behaviors in Children.”

To learn more about his practice the Denver Center for Anthroposophical Therapies, please visit denvertherapies.com.

Music is “Dance With Me” and “Naive” by Sergey Cheremisinov.

To join one of our online courses, ask a parenting question, book a one-on-one consultation or join our community please visit wenurturecollective.com

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LifeWays: Learning in Nature Jun 18, 2020

Time in a natural outdoor setting has so many benefits for children: fostering wonder, encouraging natural observation, building resilience and health, nourishing the senses, and promoting relationships. Recent events have led many early childhood professionals and parents to explore the possibilities of offering expanded outdoor opportunities. With the strengthening power of fresh air and the elements of nature, more time outdoors can be an elixir for adults and children!

Sign up for the Learning in Nature online course.

Mary O'Connell has been working with the Anthroposophical care of young children for almost 20 years! In 2002, she opened the very first LifeWays Early Childhood Center in Milwaukee where she served as the director for 13 years.

Currently, Mary is the Board president of LifeWays North America, she is the training coordinator for LifeWays' extensive onsite and online programs AND she travels and teaches in some of these programs. Mary has taught teachers, caregivers, and parents all over the U.S. and internationally.

In 2010, Mary co-authored Home Away From Home: LifeWays Care of Children and Families with Cynthia Aldinger, and in 2018 she authored Observing Young Children - A Tool for Meaningful Assessment. Most recently, Mary started a non-profit farm education program at Paradise Farm in West Bend, WI where she and her colleagues provide outdoor, farm-based education to children and adults.

To discover more please visit lifewaysnorthamerica.org and kimberton.org.

Music is Glacier Bells by Daniel Birch.

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The Sense of Touch Dec 13, 2019

Join Chinyelu Kunz and Molly Brett as they talk about the Senses. Waldorf Education addresses healthy human development from many perspectives and points of view and knowledge of the 12 senses is critical to understanding healthy human development. One of Rudolf Steiner’s many contributions is the understanding that we actually have 12 senses and after birth, they all require further development. Not only do the senses unite the inner and outer world in each one of us but they also make it possible for us as individuals to interact with others in healthy ways as well as be fully grounded in our bodies. It takes a long time for the senses to develop and there is a scaffolding of sorts that takes place as the Foundational, Middle and then Higher senses develop from birth to age 21. The development of the 4 Foundational senses, which are the Sense of Touch, the Sense of Life, the Sense of Self Movement and the Sense of Balance, takes place during the time from birth to 7 and their healthy development is critical to further development of the other senses. Join us as we begin the journey to understanding the 4 foundational senses. The Sense of Touch. As we experience ourselves and the world around us through touch, it is through these experiences that we develop an awareness of where our body ends and where everything else begins. We begin to experience boundaries. Touch can be viewed as the balance between our inner world and outer world and it is experience through the body’s largest organ, the skin. We’ll explore how the sense of touch is the foundation for the other senses.

To discover more about Rosebud Garden please visit farmhousemanna.com and kimberton.org

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The Benefits of Creating Rhythmical Meals Mar 13, 2023

Why do rhythmical meals work? And What are the benefits?

It's no surprise that young children do best when life is consistent and dependable. They feel safe when life happens in the same way over and over and even in the same order. They want daily life to be reliable and this is one reason why rhythmical meals work. When your rhythm includes a rotation of weekly meals that your child can count on then mealtimes are more likely to go smoother. Creating a rhythm with meals will also create more harmonious family mealtimes.
Listen to hear the other benefits of rhythmical meals!
In the episode, I give some healthy snack suggestions as well as dinner ideas. I dive a little bit into seasonal eating and offer some inspiration for meal planning.
If you're intrigued and want to explore rhythmical meals in your home, we have created a FREE printable to help you get started. All you need to do is subscribe to The Journal (there's no cost to subscribe) and you'll be on the list to receive the printable. Subscribe here

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Ways to Nurture Your Child's Speech Development May 17, 2022

While it is true that all children develop at their own pace when it comes to speech, there are ways you can nurture their development. Today on Blossoming Tuesday I talk about how you can support your child’s speech development to help them blossom. I discuss how language develops from birth to preschool age and I break down the first five years of speech development. I also explain how important it is to understand that your child’s communication abilities may not parallel their emotional age until age seven and I give tips to help with speech development and explain the connection between language and movement. I discuss games and activities that can support speech. Finally, I explain the importance of solo play to assist in language development. Tune in to We Nurture Podcast to help your child’s speech blossom!

Key Points From This Episode:

Introducing today’s topic: Speech Development.
A brief overview of how speech develops from birth to preschool age.
Year one: crying and the dangers of letting them cry.
Three to six months: laughing.
Six to nine months: two-syllable words and understanding meaning.
12 to 18 months: imitating sound and pitch.
18 to 24 months: two-word sentences.
Year two: naming things and the dangers of correcting your child.
Year three: multiple words, even sentences with lots of words, asking why and the use of “I”.
Year four: complex sentences.
Year five: good vocabulary and complex sentence structure.
The importance of understanding your child’s emotional age.
Tips to help with your child’s speech development.
The connection between movement and speech development.
How reading, songs, and nursery rhymes help with language.
How rapid movement games and household chores support speech development.
The importance of allowing your child alone time to digest what they’ve learned.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

We Nurture Collective

We Nurture on Instagram

We Nurture on Facebook

Three Little Deers and the Great Storm

Website
Instagram

Essentials to Help your Child Blossom Oct 12, 2021

Head to our website wenurturecollective.com for todays free printable on the essentials to help your child blossom.
Whether your child is at home with you, in daycare, or in a school program, there are essential
needs that they require each day for them to truly blossom. Today, on Blossoming Tuesday, we unpack some of these early essentials and, in the coming weeks, we focus on ages two to seven, taking a closer look at each of these developmental stages, what behaviors to be aware of, and how best to support your child through each stage. In today’s episode, you’ll learn how to manage your own anxiety so that it doesn’t impact your little ones, the power of simplicity, and the importance of creating healthy rhythms at home, especially when it comes to sleep, play, and boundaries, plus so much more.
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Early Essentials Printable

Simplicity Parenting

We Nurture Collective

We Nurture on Instagram

We Nurture on Facebook

The Three Little Dears and The Great Storm

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Creating a Restorative Daily Rhythm Jun 10, 2021

Rhythm and routine aren’t quite the same thing. Both can be valuable to your home life, but rhythm offers a flexibility and a flow which routine does not. Our guest today, Meagan Rose Wilson, is Waldorf trained and an expert on all things rhythm. She joins us on the show to share her thoughts about why establishing daily, weekly and seasonal rhythms is so beneficial for families. Meagan offers examples of ways to incorporate rhythm into your life, and we discuss a practice which is helpful for maintaining that rhythm. We explore the restorative daily rhythm in more depth through delving into the concept of in-breaths and out-breaths, and we also delve into how to manage multiple rhythms at once when you have children of different ages. Rhythm is not set in stone, and you will need to change and adapt it as your children grow, and that is where the beauty lies!
Key Points From This Episode:
• An introduction to the Waldorf Movement, today’s guest, and the focus of today’s episode.
• Rhythm; how Meagan defines it.
• Meagan explains how rhythm differs from routine and gives a practical example which makes it clear how rhythm can be incorporated into your daily life.
• Three main cornerstones that Meagan encourages parents to focus on with their children.
• Benefits that rhythm offers you and your children.
• Different types of rhythm, defined temporally.
• What the in-breaths and out-breaths within a restorative daily rhythm can look like.
• Examples of how Meagan manages in-breaths and out-breaths for her children of different
ages.
• A simple practice which can help you with maintaining your rhythm.
• The flowing nature of rhythm means that it is not set in stone and will change depending on a number of factors.

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How Young Children Sense the World Nov 01, 2020

The way in which young children experience their environment and the world is something that we often do not consider in day to day living especially when life is full. In this episode, we talk with Dr. Melissa Greer about how the young child senses the world.

At her practice, Carah Medical Arts, Dr. Greer is dedicated to the anthroposophical approach to health and healing.

Please visit carahmedicalarts.org to learn more.

Music is “Dance With Me” and “Naive” by Sergey Cheremisinov.

To join one of our online courses, ask a parenting question, book a one-on-one consultation or join our community please visit wenurturecollective.com

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LifeWays: Creating A Warm & Loving Environment Jun 11, 2020

In our last episode with Cynthia Aldinger we heard how LifeWays was founded. We have Cynthia with us again and we’re excited to hear about the principles and practices of LifeWays. LifeWays was born out of the need to address the care of young children. We live in a time where many young children are in full-time care, LifeWays created a model for addressing the needs of the whole child through a strong foundation in anthroposophy and child development.

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or caregiver, Anthroposophy helps build strength through self-development and through striving to be “worthy of imitation”. It is through focusing on our internal environment that we are first and foremost able to create a warm, loving environment. Cynthia, tell us more about this LifeWays principle which she calls Self as Curriculum.

Cynthia Aldinger received her Waldorf teacher training certificate at Emerson College in Sussex, England. She served fourteen years on the board of the Waldorf Early Childhood Association of North America and was a founding teacher of Prairie Hill Waldorf School in Wisconsin. Cynthia is the author of Life is the Curriculum and co-author of Home Away From Home, and she presents throughout North America and internationally, as well as through numerous online courses. A mother and grandmother, Cynthia’s passion is the preservation of the playful spirit of childhood and helping to create environments that provide the comfort, security, and activities found in a healthy home.

Anthroposophy is a spiritual philosophy, developed by Rudolf Steiner at the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century. It is a path of knowledge or spiritual research. Anthroposophy strives to bridge the divide between the sciences, the arts, and the religious strivings of human beings and build a foundation for a synthesis of them for the future. Anthroposophy also holds an impulse to nurture the life of the soul in human beings and in society. Simply put - Anthroposophy means "Wisdom of the Human Being."

To discover more please visit lifewaysnorthamerica.org and kimberton.org

Music is Glacier Bells by Daniel Birch

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Rhythm Nurtures A Healthy Life Nov 04, 2019

We will explore the deeper role that we have when we become a parent. With the birth of a child comes great anticipation. Will it be a girl or a boy? What shall the name be? Who will the baby look like? Above all, as parents, we have great hopes and wishes for our new baby's future. But what is truly our role as parents? How do we navigate all the choices and decisions when there is so much to consider when raising a child. Let's begin our journey together to learn how living a rhythmic life nurtures our children and us too!

To discover more about Rosebud Garden please visit farmhousemanna.com and kimberton.org

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Balancing Your Needs With Your Child's Needs Mar 06, 2023

Being a parent is so rewarding but also hard. There’s so much that you need to surrender to much of which you were not even aware of before having a child. Finding balance in daily life is definitely one as well as balancing your needs with that of your child’s. It’s really a constant challenge.
What does the heartbeat in your home feel like?
Do you have clear intentions for your family's lifestyle?
Is there a rhythmic heartbeat in your home?
Join me in this episode for advice and tips that will reduce overwhelm and help you navigate balancing daily life.
I've created a beautiful and unique Seasonal Family Rhythm Planner to help guide you in intentionally crafting a rhythm that aligns with the heartbeat you want for your home. The Rhythm Planner guides you step by step in creating a rhythm that will bring more balance to your days! Visit wenurturecollective.com to learn more or purchase your copy.

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Parenting with Loving Kindness Instead of Fear May 16, 2022

Join me in the first episode of season 6 as I talk about how you can resolve conflict of needs (your's and your child's) through understanding and connection. The focus of this episode will be on parenting with loving kindness instead of fear, fear that is communicated through threats.

When you parent with loving kindness, your relationship with your child strengthens. Although, it will take time, in fact years of consistently meeting your child’s needs in loving kind ways, there are steps you can take that will guide you. I'll mention these steps in the episode.
Key Points From This Episode:

The focus of Mindful Mondays.
Introducing today’s topic: parenting through love instead of fear.
The opposite of parenting with loving-kindness: threats.
The negative effect of fear on a child.
An example of a scenario where you can choose to parent with kindness.
The importance of understanding why your child has a negative response to an instruction.
Some helpful steps to parent mindfully.
Step one: pause to reflect and gather yourself.
Step two: connect then connect with touch.
Step three: validate your child’s feelings.
Step four: hold a boundary if needed.
Step five: connect and comfort.
Step six: restate the boundary if needed.
Step seven: follow through with loving words and actions.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

We Nurture Collective

We Nurture on Instagram

We Nurture on Facebook

We Nuture on Spotify

We Nuture on Pinterest

We Nuture on Apple Podcasts

Chinyelu Kunz on LinkedIn

The Three Little Deers and the Great Storm

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How to Parent Mindfully Oct 11, 2021

Welcome to Season 5!
Head to today's our website wenurturecollective.com to find the worksheet for today's episode.
As a parent, reacting or responding to our children on a daily basis holds immense power; it can serve to either build their self-esteem or tear it down. In turn, this can either positively or
negatively impact our own sense of self-worth as well as our relationship with our child. That is why mindful parenting is such a valuable practice, and every Monday for this season of the We Nurture Podcast I am going to be focusing on this topic. Mindful parenting refers to the act of bringing your conscious attention to what is happening, rather than letting your emotions take control. In today’s episode, I’m going to talk you through some of the key strategies that you can use on your parenting journey in order to become more mindful.
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Episode Worksheet
We Nurture Collective

We Nurture on Instagram

We Nurture on Facebook

The Three Little Deers and the Great Storm

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How Rhythm Leads to Big Change Jun 03, 2021

Welcome back to We Nurture everybody, and today we will be looking at the vitally important topic of rhythm and how to implement it in simple and foundational ways into your home and family life. As with many things, a great place to start lies in your breath and through the mindful observation of what is happening. In order to create a useful roadmap of routine and schedule, we need to start from where we are, and this means a certain level of observation. Simple breathing exercises are so useful in order to calm and center yourself and a child, and the more of this type of energy that you can facilitate the more balanced the rhythm you will be able to achieve will be. When we look at the example of young children and newborn babies, the breath is the focal point for gauging their health and mood, and these steps of learning are their first.
They take their cues from us and setting the right rhythmic example for this elemental part of human life should be the building block of all things to come. This then branches out into the other rhythms of the body and its organs; looking at the need for rest and sustenance can help us anchor the day according to what is most important. Listeners can expect to hear all about these steps and how they shift and evolve with growing children, as well as some helpful actionable methods for setting things in the right kind of motion. Tune in to get it all!
In this Episode we cover
- The starting point for creating and strengthening your home rhythms
- Mindfulness and scheduling; looking at daily and weekly planning with calm energy.
- Where to shift and adjust as your child grows and changes
- Letting go of difficulty and guilt associated with an over-cluttered routine.

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How Young Children Grow into their Bodies Oct 29, 2020

With the birth of a baby, we experience the mystery of new life, the miracle, wonder and awe.

In this episode, we talk with Dr. Melissa Greer about how the young child grows into his or her body otherwise known in Waldorf education as ‘The Incarnating Child’. Essentially, the spiritual body is uniting with the physical body.

At her practice, Carah Medical Arts, Dr. Greer is dedicated to the anthroposophical approach to health and healing.

Whether you’re new to this topic or not, we warmly invite you to join us in this conversation with Dr. Greer.

Please visit carahmedicalarts.org to learn more.

Music is “Dance With Me” and “Naive” by Sergey Cheremisinov.

To join one of our online courses, ask a parenting question, book a one-on-one consultation or join our community please visit wenurturecollective.com

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LifeWays: Life Is The Curriculum Jun 06, 2020

In this first episode of season 2, we have invited Cynthia Aldinger, founder of LifeWays North America to tell the story of the founding of LifeWays. She has been dedicated to the work of creating childcare centers that nurture young children in healthy ways as well as training for teachers, parents, and caregivers. LifeWays also offers numerous online courses for parents, teachers, and caregivers.

Cynthia Aldinger received her Waldorf teacher training certificate at Emerson College in Sussex, England. She served fourteen years on the board of the Waldorf Early Childhood Association of North America and was a founding teacher of Prairie Hill Waldorf School in Wisconsin. Cynthia is the author of Life is the Curriculum and co-author of Home Away From Home, and she presents throughout North America and internationally, as well as through numerous online courses.

A mother and grandmother, Cynthia’s passion is the preservation of the playful spirit of childhood and helping to create environments that provide the comfort, security, and activities found in a healthy home.

Anthroposophy is a spiritual philosophy, developed by Rudolf Steiner at the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century. It is a path of knowledge or spiritual research. Anthroposophy strives to bridge the divide between the sciences, the arts, and the religious strivings of human beings and build a foundation for a synthesis of them for the future. Anthroposophy also holds an impulse to nurture the life of the soul in human beings and in society. Simply put - Anthroposophy means "Wisdom of the Human Being."

To discover more please visit lifewaysnorthamerica.org and kimberton.org

Music is Glacier Bells by Daniel Birch

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In Search of a Holistic Education Sep 30, 2019

As parents, we want the best for our children and we strive to give them a strong foundation for life. Listen as one parent, who also happens to be a Waldorf teacher, shares her journey to discovering Waldorf education and how this led her to live a more connected, mindful, and conscious life.

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