Browsing Tag

sarah baldwin

Parenting

Loving Discipline: Stay Calm and Speak Softly

It took me many years of experience as a parent and Waldorf teacher before I learned a really important lesson.

I learned that when I really needed to get my message across to a child, it is much more effective to get down to the child’s level, look him in the eye, and speak in a quiet, calm voice.

When we yell, children (and adults!) tune us out. When emotions are flying high and voices are escalating, it can take a child by surprise to be spoken to in a tone close to a whisper. The child will stop what she’s doing to really hear what is being said.

We are adults. When children experience us as being in control of our emotions, they feel much more secure, even when their immature emotions are spiraling out-of-control. It is our job to keep calm and let children know that we are in control and able to help.

It’s not always easy to do with a screaming toddler or while a pair of siblings are pummeling each other, but it’s important to take a deep breath, stay focused in the present, and remind yourself that you are the adult, and that you are capable of responding calmly.

Wish I’d learned this when my own children were younger. I hope that many of you will learn this important lesson sooner than I did! It will absolutely result in more harmony—at home or in the classroom.

Peace,

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Do you have any discipline challenges, or tips to share? Please leave a comment!

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Art

Filana Organic Beeswax Crayons vs.
 Stockmar Crayons: A Comparison

Have you heard about new Filana Organic Beeswax Crayons? I am so excited to introduce them at the beginning of this new year at Bella Luna Toys!

Click on the video link above to learn more about Filana Crayons, how they are different from the Stockmar Wax Crayons that we also carry, and see a comparison of the color quality.

TRANSCRIPT:

Stockmar is a German company, that originally produced beeswax candles. More than 50 years ago, they began producing crayons containing beeswax for use in Waldorf schools. Stockmar crayons have been used widely in Waldorf schools around the world since then, and have become known for their rich pigments and quality of color, and for the warmth and scent that the beeswax lends.

What I and many other Waldorf educators were not aware of until recently, is that Stockmar crayons are made from a base of paraffin and contain only 10% beeswax.

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Cooking

Making Stone Soup . . . In Italy!

The email below landed in my inbox today and totally made my day! Nothing makes me happier than hearing from viewers who have found some inspiration in my videos to try something new with their children. It is the most gratifying part of my work.

Dear Sarah,

Here are my children, Alfredo (age 5) and Marialena (age 3), singing their chopping song as we made Stone Soup this morning in our home in Milan, Italy.

Our family watched your blog video about Stone Soup last week, and they have been excited to try it ever since. I made Stone Soup in nursery school over thirty years ago, and remembered it fondly as we watched you and your helpers do the same.

This morning, the children and I chose vegetables at our neighborhood grocery shop, and bought “pane integrale” (whole-grain bread) to accompany it fresh from our corner baker. The soup smells delicious, and we can’t wait to let Daddy taste it at supper tonight!

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