Steady Mom

5 Meaningful After Dinner Rituals You Can Start Tonight

I'm privileged to be guest posting on this topic today over at the lovely blog Zen Family Habits.

I hope you'll visit me there!

Jamie is founder of this little spot called Steady Mom, editor of the blog Simple Homeschool, mama to three cute kids born on three different continents, and author of Steady Days: A Journey Toward Intentional, Professional Motherhood.

Inspiration for Your Weekend

And some great links for you to enjoy:

5 Adoption Myths You Shouldn't Believe

Playing with Trishna the morning after meeting her in India

I remember when I first researched adoption online.

Within minutes, I felt completely overwhelmed. There was so much information, so many choices, so much money and paperwork involved.

How would we ever know which direction to pursue?

Well, we eventually found our way. But my hope is to make it a bit easier for those walking a similar path.

Many of you have requested this series. I hope these posts will provide a gentle introduction to those of you who are interested in building your family this beautiful way.

Today I'd like to start by unpacking a few myths and stereotypes concerning adoption.

How to Foster Curiosity in Babies & Toddlers

The following post is written by Steady Mom's monthly contributor, Melitsa.

Hands up if you have an independent toddler who wants to do things his way!

Same over here. My little one has two older brothers, which I think encourages this independence.

It started with a snatched spoon and a look that said, "Feed-me-no-more!"

Part of the struggle at this age (My son is 18-months-old), is that they can do some things but need help to do most things.

Most things they want to do makes us nervous. I have a climber and he is fast!

You leave the table to move 3 steps to the sink and he's run 5 metres, scaled the chair and is happily about to plant his hand in your food/drink/computer or bill payment.

Life is an all out battle of test and see what I can and can't do. But it is tiring for us and annoying for them to be constantly stopped.

Little ones need autonomy too. They need to make their own decisions and be able to follow their curiosity.

And we can help make a happy outcome for all by setting up situations that allow them to have some control--instead of constantly trying to steal it from us.

Rather than having a constant battle, practice the art of choosing your battles and give and take. 

Here's one idea to get you started.