Sunday Surf: Touching, Strangers, & Other Tender Topics

This has been my view most of the week: wearing my
feverish toddler in the Boba, while he plays with his phone.

I'm sorry to report that we've had more sick days around here this week. Daniel's been dealing with a fever for most of the week, and I've had a cold. The sunny Spring weather has been so incredibly lovely, though, that I'd like to think about that instead when I reflect on the week.

Also, things seem to be moving forward with our new house, and if all goes according to plan we should be closing at the end of this week. I can't believe it!

I want to say a big "Thank you!" to the guest writers who have generously shared their words here this week! Kat of Loving {Almost} Every Moment shared an informative post about her experiences with Mayan abdominal massage, a traditional practice that helps with fertility and other women's reproductive issues. Amy of Toddler in Tow discussed a peaceful toddler discipline strategy, all about clearly defining limits in ways that empower both parent and child to respectfully navigate tricky situations. I hope you'll visit both Kat's blog and Amy's blog and show them some love for being so generous!

Here are a few of the great things I've read lately:

Baby sign examples: A parent-child video - Hobo Mama

This family signing video from Lauren at Hobo Mama is ADORABLE! I've really enjoyed teaching and using sign with Daniel, and I've also found it to be really helpful, especially in the preverbal stage. If we have another child, I'll definitely use ASL again.

Unimaginable - Katrina Kenison: The Gift of an Ordinary Day

"Make room in your heart for the unimaginable." This is such a beautiful, eloquent reflection on the evolution of parenthood, friendship, and life in general. It's a must-read!

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, my toddler, and me - The Leaky B@@b

I really appreciate Jessica's openness and honesty in this post about breastfeeding through pregnancy while also dealing with Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG). Her mixed feelings about her daughter's (possible) weaning really rang true to me. The post includes a beautiful video of her nursing her youngest while her older daughters sing. (Grab the tissues!)

I’m a Welfare Mom - Baby Dust Diaries

This is a very important topic for us to be open about discussing here in the States, and I really appreciate Paige's bravery in tackling this tough subject. I, too, am a supporter of universal healthcare and funding for social programs, as well as taxes that are (fairly) proportional to income. I particularly appreciated the graphs showing how taxes are divided up among the various social service programs.

Body Autonomy and Sexual Abuse - Vibrant Wanderings

An excellent post from Melissa at Vibrant Wanderings about respecting others' (kids') bodily autonomy, particularly by not touching them unless invited first. This is something that has bothered me since Daniel was a newborn, that strangers feel it is perfectly OK to touch him without asking permission (from either him or me) first. Check out the list Melissa outlines of ways we can be more respectful of others' personal boundaries.

“Tricky People” are the New Strangers - ChecklistMommy

A different take on how to teach your kiddos about "stranger danger." I particularly like the suggestion to advise your kids to find another mom with kids if they become separated from you in a crowded place (an airport, mall, or amusement park, for instance). I remember my mom giving me similar advice as a child. She told me to find someone who looks nice and/or who is wearing a uniform (police officer, flight attendant, etc.), probably a woman, probably with children. Kids have great instincts about (strange or tricky) people; teaching them to trust their gut is key.

100 Ways to Encourage a New Mom - The Gypsy Mama

I love LOVE this list! It's a must-read for anyone who knows anyone who is having a baby. (That's most everyone, right?!)

This week at Natural Parents Network:

• Maple Sugaring Season
• Top 10 Reasons to Leave Your Son Intact
• Wordless Wednesday: Kids and Activism
• Finding My Inner Activist
• The New Faces of Feminism
• There Is No “By the Book” 

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I'm joining Authentic Parenting and Hobo Mama for Sunday Surf. Share your best reading of the week, and link up your post at either blog!

For more great reading, visit Hobo Mama or Authentic Parenting for the latest Sunday Surf and linky.

Happy Surfing!