~~Page updated with new links January 10th, 2004~~
Petra's Parenting Page
What feeling is so nice as a child’s hand in
yours? So small, so soft and warm, like a kitten huddling in the shelter of your clasp.
~Marjorie Holmes~
Welcome!
I have been married to Rick since August, 1988 and am a stay at home mom. I am originally from the Netherlands, but now live in the United States.
I am bringing my children up bilingually, English-Dutch. So far this is working well, although their Dutch is frequently "enriched" with English words. For more information on raising bilingual kids, visit Cindy Kandolf's bilingual families page.
My parenting philosophy comes closest to what Dr. William Sears calls "Attachment Parenting" in his "Baby Book".
I firmly believe in following my child's lead in choices like:
- Weaning from the breast
- Sleeping place (family bed, or own space)
- Toilet learning
Recently, my interest is especially going towards furthering the AP philosophy into toddlerhood and childhood. While a baby's needs are easy to read, an older child's are not. A philosophy that I'm very interested in regarding all this is TCS (Taking Children Seriously).
During my search for answers, I have come across interesting resources, which I will share on this page. I hope it is helpful! Please enter any suggestions or helpful hints you may have below.
ProMoM's list of
101 reasons to breastfeed
Click on
the book for a synopsis of the ideas offered.
I'm an SAH-AP mom.
links:
(click for: breastfeeding, circumcision, general parenting, no spanking, multilingualism, WAH-AP moms)
Breastfeeding:
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La Leche League homepage |
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Helpful breastfeeding information and articles |
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Go here to see what else breastmilk is good for, besides feeding your baby! You'll be amazed! |
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An inspiring no-spanking site! |
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An interesting article against spanking |
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Stophitting.com |
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The No Spanking page |
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A page with many anti-spank
links |
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Bilingual parenting |
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Bilingual education |
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Language learning and the developing brain |
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National Association for Bilingual Education |
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Bilingual Education resources on the Internet |
Sites from Work at Home AP moms:
Recommended reading:
- "The Baby Book" -- Dr. William and Martha Sears
- "The Discipline Book" -- Dr. William and Martha Sears
- "How to talk so kids will listen, and listen so kids will talk" -- Faber/Mazlish
- "Siblings Without Rivalry: How to Help Your Children Live Together So You Can Live Too" -- Faber/Mazlish
- "Kids are worth it" -- Barbara Coloroso
- "Positive Discipline" -- Jane Nelsen
- "Giving the Love that Heals" -- Harville Hendrix and Helen Hunt
- "Say No to Circumcision!: 40 Compelling Reasons Why You Should Respect His Birthright and Keep Your Son Whole" by Thomas J. Ritter, M.D.
