August 2024
August 2024 Newsletter
Mama’s Update
Hey, I’m Elizabeth - founder of MBC.
We are entering into, what feels like, the last month of summer. All of the stores, like Hobby Lobby, are putting out fall decorations and even Christmas. I am always shocked when I go into a retail store and see the future holidays and seasons already on full display. It makes me feel like I should be preparing for the months ahead instead of enjoying the current season I’m in.
I also see all kinds of back-to-school sales and products flying off the shelves. My son is not school age… yet, but he will be in one years’ time. Seeing this impending future of my child going to school is getting more and more real. Preschool is typically the next step in childhood progression and the entryway to the education system. Is that what next year looks like for my family?
Wow, I really better make the most of the next year I have with my son and my family. Time is incredibly precious and flies faster than the speed of light with our children. Now, I’ve got a very real, ticking clock counting down the moments I have with my son before he has the option to attend preschool. My husband and I have a lot to discuss about this next year and even the school experience we want for our son. If you are in this season as well, then know that you have other moms who are thinking about this transition and are watching the clock too. There are many transitions in parenthood and school is a huge one.
Book Recommendations
Parenting Books - This month’s parenting book recommendation is more than just one. I have been reading quite a bit about the school systems, traditional education, and homeschooling. Yes, homeschooling. Reading about it and educating myself on it. I know that homeschooling has a bad reputation and there are many negative things that a person can say about homeschooling. I was not homeschooled and know very little about it. So, as my child is nearing the school entryway… I decided to educate myself on homeschooling. I was shocked at the amount of freedom and flexibility homeschooling gives to a child and to the parents. I am going to write quite a bit about my learnings in my blog this month so stay tuned. Book recommendations:
Free to Learn - Dr. Peter Gray
The Coddling of the American Mind: How Good Intentions and Bad Ideas are Setting up a Generation for Failure - Greg Lukianoff & Jonathan Haidt
Learning all the Time - John Holt
Everything You Need to Know about Homeschooling - Lea Ann Garfias
Until the Streetlights Come On - Ginny Yurich (1000 Hours Outside Podcast)
Children’s Books - This month’s featured children’s book author is Jane Yolen. She is a talented author known for her engaging dinosaur books that skillfully weave in lessons on good manners for children. Moreover, her books have a unique quality that captivates not only young readers but also the adults!
Downloadable Resources
I have carefully created nine downloadable resources for you to use and share with people you know. These are based on my personal experience, research, and advice from other seasoned parents. The resources are:
Routines & Schedules for Newborns thru 2 Year Olds
Activity Ideas for Newborns thru 2 Year Olds
Hidden Costs of a Nanny and Babysitter
Pumping & Breastfeeding Support
Nanny Job Description
Solid Food Menu Options
Baby Registry Must Haves
Hospital Bag Checklists
Road Trip Checklist for Infants
Check them out on my Resources page and share them with those you know!
Archived Blogs
I share a new blog post each Monday and Thursday. If you are interested in modern parenting topics or have common questions, then follow my journey and read my most popular blogs.
Sunday Family Game Plan
When You Don’t Have Common Sense with Dogs
Swimming is an Experience
The Hidden Costs of a Babysitter and Nanny
Water Safety Skills
Eczema… What You Need to Know
Grocery Budgeting
When Do You Become an Adult?
Sign Language and Speech Development
Child Development Series (Walking, Running, Lower Body Moves, & Fine Motor Skills)