Far From the Tree...

I recently had the priviledge of reading an amazing book. Far from the Tree by Adam Solomon is a heavily researched but compassionate look at a variety of families faced with learning from the inside out about the differences that call us to love and tolerance. The book requires a bit of commitment, but I felt my humanity was expanded on in the process. Please explore this link www.farfromthetree.com for stories about some of the challenges that today's families face.

Enjoy this season of family...

Please visit NVC Parenting Tips for inspiration as you enjoy all the holidays has to offer. In my family we've agreed that the time we spend together is most important - so presents are secondary to the time we make for each other, oh and the food, food, food!!!

The Shoulds....

Interesting article on the nature of 'the shoulds' let me know what you think, I tend to agree with the article....http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/should-failure-dissatisfaction-anxiety-0422135  

Systematic Training For Effective Pareting Fall Class Starts October 2!

New parenting class  - 9 week course starts October 2nd thru November 27. Come join us as we develop and hone our skills to become the parents we want to be, nurturing the family we dream of.

Learning from others...

Chico!!

I enjoyed riding with my daughter this fall and wanted to share with you a learning I had from this magnificent horse. I had the chance to take a day and chose horseback riding in Milford, PA. we rode from 10 - 4 pm., learning skills and enjoying the woods with various groups of people at different levels of skill. As Chico tried to rub me of  him into trees, shrubs and rocks, I worked on staying present and unconcerned with taking this personally. I worked to understand his need for control, talked with the trail guides and relaxed into assuring him of his partnership in our riding experience and ... viola, we became partners through the day. The day ended with a relaxing ride through the woods, no anxiety - no agenda , just two beings enjoying the pleasures of nature, fresh air and sunshine...

So summer ends....

August has always been my time of greatest change, out with the old and the new -  well, is arriving, revealing itself over the coming weeks. Some years the new comes with hopeful expectancy, sometimes with mild trepidation and sometimes with shocking surprise. September as a time of new beginnings, always requires forgiveness and forward movement, September is always refreshing for me, a time of renewal and, yes, harvest. This year the STEP Parenting Course will begin in October, please join us or share with your friends as we explore and develop the art of parenting.