Links We Learned From Vol. 1 No. 1

By Ariel

In which Ariel explores a few articles that will have an impact on how she parents. Should we be more conscious of what we post on social media as parents? Is competition a bad thing? How  can saying "Yes," encourage our children to learn and perfect new life skills? What books can we turn to to help our children digest challenges?  How can we use a toy to teach our children to pay it forward with kindness? Read on!

Links We Learned From in February

Brianna and I are readers - readers of books, readers of articles, readers of blogs etc. We read. When we find something interesting, absurd or promising,  we share it with the other. That is the beauty of sharing this crazy wild journey that we call parenthood. Twice the resources! This is a curated list of links (in no particular order) that I think will have a significant impact on how I parent.

1. Future Apologies From the First Generation of Parents With a Digital Paper Trail By Mary Coen over at Offbeat Home & Life

Our generation wasn't raised with social media. We are just now beginning to understand that it may have negative repercussions. Coen points out something that many of us - myself included - did not anticipate. Every little thing we post on social media will be available to our children (and their future friends, partners, and employers!) to see. From naked bum shots of our adorable infants, to vented new parents' frustrations as a means of not feeling so alone, they will see it. How do we feel about this? Do we want them knowing our most intimate thoughts?  This article will make you think twice before you post.

2. Why Competition is Good for Kids (And How to Keep it That Way) by Devan McGuinnes over at parents.com

Is competition a bad thing? The debate rages on. I am still unconvinced either way. But realistically we can not (and should not) sterilize life for our littles. We need to titrate out life's hard lessons, not remove them entirely! This article gives some new insight into the old debate.

3.  How an Episode of Chopped Junior Changed the Way I Parent by Janene Dutt over at Today's Mama

As a parent, something I struggle with is fixating on the administrative side of fun. How can one sensory bin make so much mess?! So I can identify with this mother's reflex decision to say "No" to her daughter's desire to experiment in the kitchen. But children don't wake up one day skilled enough to appear on Chopped Junior. Somewhere along the line someone said "Yes."

4. Darkness and Light - Facing Our Fears by De over at Books and Babycinos

The more I read the more I am convinced that reading to our children is the key to raising healthy, happy adults. Not only does the act of curling up with a book strengthen relationships, but the books themselves can be the vehicle through which we explore tough topics. De, from Books and Babycinos, compiled a comprehensive list of books that explore the darkness through the pages of a good book.

5. Teaching Young Kids Kindness - by Jennifer Breuer over at Rocket City Mom

Since reading Unselfie by Michele Borba, Brianna and I have been exploring new ways to teach Monkey and Bean kindness. Jennifer uses the Love Bug to encourage her family to pay it forward with kindness. What a fun idea!

Men at Work

The internet is a strange place, especially when it comes to free stock photos.  This week's winner for most absurd stock photo goes to a series I have entitled "Men at Work."

See more on Pixabay.com.

What have you read this week that will have a significant impact on how you interact with children? Post it in the comments below. Or find us on social media and start a conversation!