Gentle Parenting

Hey guys!
Recently I've been reading up on a phenomenon/ philosophy called "gentle parenting". Basically, it combines elements of attachment parenting and positive child guidance (both of which you guys already know that I'm a fan of).

I really like that there are people out there who are pro-actively looking for ways to improve how they parent, rather than just accepting the way they were brought up, or the "norm" (e.g. spanking or time-out).

I am actively trying to incorporate elements of gentle parenting into my practice as an ECE teacher. Some examples of this are:

Walking across the room and getting down to a child's level and speaking in a soft voice to them when I want to help them regulate their behaviour, as opposed to raising my voice at them from across the room.

Telling I child what I want to see them do, instead of telling them what I don't want to see.

Offering children more choices instead of always giving direct instructions.

Always believing in the child, and their abilities, celebrating what they are capable of instead of stressing over what they can't yet do.

Making sure that my words and actions towards them are always seasoned with love and grace, just as our heavenly Father is loving and gracious towards us.

Now, I know that sometimes my ideals don't always come to fruition, but my belief is that if I aim for the moon and miss, then at least I'll land among the stars :)

I hope this blog can help some of you guys, as much as it helps me :)

Love,

Melanie Raye.

The 6 "L's" of Positive Guidance

Hey guys! Just wanted to share with you the 6 L's of positive child guidance that I came up with for a Toastmasters speech.

Level- get down to the child's level.
Look- make eye contact.
Listen- find out what the child is feeling. Use your eyes and touch to listen as well as your ears.
Logical Consequences- let natural consequences rule- eg, you make the mess, you clean it up.
Lesson- recap with the child : "what did we learn from this?"
Love- hugs, kisses, let the child feel reconciled to you and other offended parties. When it's over, let it be over. Don't hold a grudge.

There ya go!

Love,
Melanie Raye.

"The Dance"

Hey guys- it has been a long time coming, but this is my new original song, I hope you like it.

The Dance

I come to the mountain
You're waiting
Hoping You'll see me
You're wearing a white robe
Your loving eyes are burning

I shrink back, I'm scared that
Maybe I'm unworthy
My dress is in tatters
How could I please the King?

You reach out Your hand and
Suddenly we're so close
And I see

The clouds are rolling back
The clouds are rolling back
There's no more time for masks
I see You, You see me

You've come in Your glory
You've come in Your glory
Just so You can meet with me
I see You, You see me

You're leading, I follow
Sometimes these steps are hard
You spin me, and I know
You'll catch me if I fall

You lift me, I trust You
And then You dip me down
I'm no longer wearing rags
You've made me a new gown

The clouds are rolling back
The clouds are rolling back
There's no more time for masks
I see You, You see me

You've come in Your glory
You've come in Your glory
Just so You can meet with me
I see You, You see me

This is the dance,
This was Your plan,
To make me Your princess,
Your bride, and Your friend

The clouds are rolling back
The clouds are rolling back
There's no more time for masks
I see You, You see me

You've come in Your glory
You've come in Your glory
Just so You can meet with me
I see You, You see me





Love,

Melanie Raye.