The author started off as a dolphin trainer at an aquarium park in the 1960s and moved on to horses, dogs, and her own children.
Baby stuff I’d get again, the third time around
I’m now considering what stuff to get. Since I’m more experienced than I was the first time, I feel like I don’t need to do as much trial and error.
Gift ideas for preschool / early elementary children
I thought I’d list some toys our kids have especially liked. None of these are amazing revelations that you probably couldn’t find on other sites.
Who benefits from the au pair program?
We’ve hosted au pairs for the last 4.5 years, and I have mixed feelings about it. But I want to lay out some things that I think are misunderstood about the program.
Book review: The Anthropology of Childhood
I read David Lancy’s “The Anthropology of Childhood: Cherubs, Chattel, and Changelings” and highlighted some passages. A lot of passages, it turns out.
On scruffy spaces
Now that I’ve actually tried it, I see more of the backstory behind these photos. Know who assembled, maintained, and photographed these rooms? Adults.
You care about more than one thing, and that’s fine
When I make a decision, it’s better if I’m clear about which goal I’m pursuing.
How much do kids cost? The first 5 years
We’ve spent about $106,760 in cash, or about $150,000 including lost earnings.
Parenting philosophy
I try to focus on what makes life better in the short and medium term rather than trying to mold my children’s personalities or futures. Most of that is already done by genetics.
Layers of animal advocacy
I’ve been reading a lot about animal advocacy lately and thinking about layers of it. I’ve been vegetarian and nearly-vegan in the past but currently am doing nothing at all to help animals.