Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Feeling Needed

Welcome to the May 2014 Carnival of Natural Parenting: Ages and Stages

This post was written for inclusion in the monthly Carnival of Natural Parenting hosted by Hobo Mama and Code Name: Mama. This month our participants have talked about their children’s most rewarding and most challenging developmental periods. Please read to the end to find a list of links to the other carnival participants.



Years ago I came to terms with a label: Attention Whore. You know what? It totally fits me. I love to have brightly colored hair, wear crazy hairstyles (or shaved head), even to dress different from the trends! My favorite kid stage? Baby! As a baby, my children need me more than at any other time of their lives. And their needs are simple. I don't have to help them work through the emotional baggage of school bullies. I don't have to help them through helping a friend that self harms. A baby needs... to eliminate waste, refill the tank, rest and attention. Easy.

Momma Jorje Dreadlocks - Day 1
Day 1 with Dreadlocks

That said, I also love the study of Early Childhood Development. I find it fascinating. I love watching the world trough the eyes of a young child, who couldn't and wouldn't hide the wonder they feel. There are so many milestones in the first couple of years! My youngest (and last) is now nearly 2½ years old. I am so screwed. But I am working to find the joy in the everyday parenting of 15, 4 and 2 year old children. There is still some wonder left, even in the teenager.


Carnival of Natural Parenting -- Hobo Mama and Code Name: MamaVisit Hobo Mama and Code Name: Mama to find out how you can participate in the next Carnival of Natural Parenting!

Please take time to read the submissions by the other carnival participants:

  • Making Space — Kellie at Our Mindful Life is adjusting her thinking and making room for her babies to stay near her.
  • The Best Parenting Resources for Parents of Toddlers — Toddlers can be so challenging. Not only are they learning how to exert their independence, but they simply do not have the developmental ability to be calm and logical when they are frustrated. It's the nature of the beast. I mean … the toddler. Here are Dionna at Code Name: Mama's favorite books and articles about parenting a toddler.
  • The Fab Five Stages so Far — Laura from Pug in the Kitchen couldn't choose just one stage for this carnival and is sharing her top five favorite stages in the young lives of her son and daughter at Natural Parents Network.
  • The best parts of ages 0-6 — Lauren at Hobo Mama gives a breakdown of what to expect and what to cherish in each year.
  • Lessons from Parenting a Three-Year-Old — Ana and Niko at Panda & Ananaso are quickly approaching the end of an era — toddlerhood. She shares some of her thoughts on the last two years and some tips on parenting through a time rife with change.
  • Feeling Needed — Jorje of Momma Jorje ponders which developmental stage is her favorite and why. She bares it for us, seemingly without fear of judgment. You might be surprised by her answer!
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