Mama’s Update (#6)

Hey, I’m Elizabeth - founder of MBC.

It’s September already. The sunsets are coming earlier, chilly morning air burns off into a warm day, and school has started. I have already purchased my first PSL and enjoyed that first sip. I even wore a flannel shirt with fleece leggings… sometimes in Michigan things get cold quickly. 

Today though, I’m watching all of the young kids in our neighborhood walk down to the bus stop. For a few of our neighbors, this is the first day of school for their child. What a day for those children and for their parents! The start of school. My brother and sister-in-law have their twin boys starting preschool and their daughter starting 1st grade this year. I was pretty overwhelmed with just listening to all the preparation and logistics they will be juggling this year for their kids to go to school.

Both my brother and sister-in-law work. They were describing a bus pickup schedule for all 3 kids at 7:30am with a 45 minute bus ride. Their boys will have to get off one bus and onto another bus to get to preschool. Then school starts at 8:30am and goes until 3:30pm. Then they are back on the bus for another 45 minutes and get home around 4:15pm. 

I thought, wow - your kids are following our parental working schedule where most people start work around 8ish and get out of work around 5ish. In my last newsletter, I share that my son is nearing preschool age. This could be a version of our family’s future. I’m openly questioning if public school is the best environment and structure for my boy. 

Having kids go to school can be viewed as a right of passage and something that “everyone just does.” For all us parents who are either transitioning our children to school or who are on deck for making choices about school, please know that all moms are right with you. Especially during the first week of school. 

New Release!

For all the mamas and for all of your friends, here is a comprehensive breastfeeding nutrition guide to support you and those you know in your breastfeeding journey. Whether you are directly breastfeeding, pumping and directly breastfeeding, or exclusively pumping – breastfeeding is no joke. You, as the mother, have made a huge decision and commitment to feed your child or children. If you are like me, then you are seeking information on how to care for yourself while also caring for your newborn baby. Welcome to my nutrition guide which covers macronutrients, hydration, and meal planning. Let’s get started. 

Book Recommendations

Parenting Books - This month’s parenting book recommendations are actually the same as last month. I am continuing to share these resources because they are all about traditional school systems and alternative ways to educate your child. The landscape for traditional education is shifting and I know parents need to shift with it. Our kids need real-life experience, social interaction that isn’t on social media, outdoor time, and more freedom to explore their interests instead of following a rigid curriculum. Our kids need more street smarts, more grit, and more experiences. My husband, Joe, actually described public school as a modern prison - you get bused in, have a set schedule by authority figures, you get served inedible, non-nutritional food, and you get yard time. Wow, Joe… I mean that is a little harsh but also kind of true? 

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 Britta Teckentrup. She is an author and illustrator of incredibly detailed, unique books that describe full cycles of life, seasons, and creatures. Britta uses wonderful words and weaves the artwork into her storyline perfectly! 

Downloadable Resources

I have carefully created ten 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:

1. Breastfeeding Nutrition Guide

2. Routines & Schedules for Newborns thru 2 Year Olds

3. Activity Ideas for Newborns thru 2 Year Olds 

4. Hidden Costs of a Nanny and Babysitter 

5. Pumping & Breastfeeding Support 

6. Nanny Job Description 

7. Solid Food Menu Options 

8. Baby Registry Must Haves 

9. Hospital Bag Checklists

10. 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.

1. Sunday Family Game Plan

2. When You Don’t Have Common Sense with Dogs

3. Swimming is an Experience

4. The Hidden Costs of a Babysitter and Nanny

5. Water Safety Skills 

6. Eczema… What You Need to Know

7. Grocery Budgeting

8. When Do You Become an Adult?

9. Sign Language and Speech Development

10. Child Development Series (Walking, Running, Lower Body Moves, & Fine Motor Skills)