You Educate A Nation

When you educate a man, you educate an individual, 

but when you educate a woman, 

you educate a nation.

~Johnetta B. Cole

{Come, rest and read by my fireside...you're always welcome in the chambers of the Heights!

Eating My Words

When my son was but a wee babe, nestled in my arms in the hospital, I held him close and crooned, "you know baby, I used up all of my patience on my first two babies.  Now you just have to do as I say."


Little did I know that mothering a small boy would require more patience than I ever thought possible, drawn from a well in my soul that I never even knew existed.


But that, I have concluded, is what parenting is like.  Standing like the oldest, most immovable object on principles, but bending to the irresistible force of your hurricane {err, I mean, child}...as they say, "something's gotta give."


In my case, although they tasted a tad bitter on the first bite, I've grown accustomed to eating those early words.


They're not so bad with a bit of ketchup.

Have you ever eaten your words as a parent?

What were they?

{Let us eat our words together...you're always welcome to dine at the Heights!}

Harkening Back

In the days before big-box retail and powerhouse websites, there were once small, personally owned shops.  These boutiques were as eclectic and quirky as their owners; each with its own tapestry of sensory stimulation...sights, smells, music...an atmosphere crafted by the unique personality and intellect behind the trusted shop-keeper who lovingly chose each item on the shelves.

Today, as our world moves further from this model, and closer to a more sterile, impersonal, "one-size-fits-all" approach to shopping, I've come across an opportunity {through a company called OpenSky} to bring a bit of that old-fashioned feel back to one of my favorite perks of modernity - online shopping!

As you have probably noticed, there is a timer in my sidebar, counting down to the grand opening of my very own shop!  This little emporium will feature some of my very favorite things, hand-picked and recommended by none other than myself - things I would refer you to if we were chatting over a cup of tea in my sitting room.  {After all, as the OpenSky vision suggests, shopping at its best occurs when you know and trust the seller.}  I love to tell my friends about my favorite products, so sharing them with you will be such a delight!


Stay tuned for more details on the multifarious selection of lovelies you will find as you browse the nooks and crannies of my shop...I do hope you'll come by my little boutique!



{If you're as excited as I am about the concept of opening a shop, you can find more details here.  Or, if you are interested in having your products represented in my shop, or in any others, you can find more information here!}



{Linger in the chambers of the Heights...you're always welcome here!}

Don't Bother Telling Him

Don't bother telling him what's coming.

He'll never believe it.

After all, he is Mama's only baby...

right?

{Click here and here for more WW!}


{Stay tuned for his reality check...}

Have 5 Minutes? Wow Your Guests With This Easy Recipe!

If you're anything like me, and cooking dinner usually occurs with little ones underfoot, clinging to your legs, and "helping," you could use a fast, easy recipe to add to your repertoire!


This is one of my favorite dishes to prepare for guests.  It takes about five minutes to throw together, and never disappoints!  Not only that, but there are minimal kitchen tools involved, so it's a great "starter" recipe for budding culinary artists of all ages!

Click over to My Blessed Life to read the rest!

{Make yourself at home in my kitchen...you're always welcome at the Heights!}

How To Learn You Child's Strenghts and Weaknesses

Yesterday, I posted a quote regarding learning about someone through play.  I had also mentioned last week that I use my children's impulsive behaviors to gauge their aptitudes for future tasks in the home.


Today I'd like continue in that vein, and suggest to you that there is a simple way to discern your child's strengths and weaknesses; an easy process that can be undertaken with any number if children, in nearly any situation you find yourself in.  Following these steps will help you tailor your strategies for instruction and discipline to each of your children, allowing you to parent more effectively.

The method is simple: 

give your child something to do.

Then watch them do it.

In both the settings of supervised tasks and unstructured play, your child's personality and capabilities will shine through...and the contrast between multiple children will become striking.

For example, I have one emotionally sensitive child who excels in unsupervised tasks, but requires more affirmation and encouragement.  I have a quiet "loner" who often prefers to play alone, but needs detailed instructions and constant supervision to complete a job.  I have a social butterfly and a shrinking violet.  A child who needs a heavy hand in the discipline department, and one who melts in to a puddle of tears at the mention of disapproval.  A slow learner, and a quick study.  I know who will cling to me for reassurance, and who will blaze through life with passionate abandon.


This knowledge did not all come to me intuitively.  Children are experts when it comes to surprising you.  You must make an effort to get to know your little ones: it will make an incredible difference as you parent each unique little person!



Simply observing your child through work and play is an essential tool in the process of seeking to discover the secrets of your child's heart.  And, not to mention, it's a lot of fun!




{Stay a while in my sitting room...you're always a welcome guest at the Heights!}

You Can Discover More About A Person...

"You can discover more about a person 

in an hour of play than 

in a year of conversation."

~~~~~

What have you discovered about your loved ones lately?

{Like quotes?  Click here!}



{Let's discover things together...you're always welcome in the chambers of the Heights!}