Kindling the Flame of Creativity

The creative is the place where no one else has ever been…What you’ll discover is yourself. ~Alan Alda

This is dedicated all who tirelessly pursue the creative process. I hope you’ll take a moment to respond with your insights and ideas, and your creative inspirations!

Creativity involves learning techniques and exploring pathways and [...]

Celebrating with Children

Hi Wize Mamas,

Today is Halloween, which means we are still in the midst of my favorite season… autumn. However,  when I walked into my local Fred Meyer the other day I  was stunned to discover racks of holiday decorations and tinsel and lights. At my house we’re still harvesting tomatoes and raking leaves. [...]

Swine Flu: Putting the Panic in Perspective

Hi Wize Mamas,

My son recently had a case of (what looked like) the Swine Flu. I can’t be sure because it acted like any other flu:  fever, aches, diahhrea, vomiting.  He was miserable for a day and puny for 3 more days. I administered the tried-and-true “Wet Sock Treatment” (pioneer remedy for [...]

The not-so-sweet Truth about Sugar

Greetings of Autumn,

You’ve probably heard some of the negative buzz about sugar… hasn’t every parent?  Sugar is said to significantly suppress the immune system;  cause hyperactivity, moodiness and anxiety; raise cholesterol and weaken eyesight; contribute to obesity and osteoporosis; raise blood pressure and cause blood sugar imbalances; lead to diabetes and other autoimmune [...]

How to Subscribe to this Blog

Hey Wize Mamas,

Subscribing to the MamaWize Blog is easy using the RSS (Really Simple Syndication) feed. Here is how it works: look at the top right section on any page on the blog, keeping your eye out for the little orange, square icon which looks like this: You’ll see the word SUBSCRIBE beside [...]

Separation Anxiety: when it’s hard to say goodbye…

Hey Wize Mamas,

Whew! Writing this post took me back to my son’s first day of Montessori school… eleven years ago. That doesn’t seem possible!  I can still feel myself fighting back tears as I mustered a bright and enthusiastic send off as my “baby” hurried off to join his new friends.That first day [...]

Are Schools Killing Creativity?

Wize Mamas,

I just viewed a video on TED which really captured my imagination and got me thinking -  and I think you’ll see why (link below).

Sir Ken Robinson, Ph.D., challenges the way our public school systems educate our children and champions educational philosophies – such as Montessori and Waldorf – which cultivate [...]

Toilet Learning

Today’s topic is loaded… pun intended!

Toilet learning represents a huge step in independence for the young child and a big change in routine for parents as well. The process can be undertaken at any age, but the child’s interest and readiness should determine the timing. I’ve never heard a parent report success [...]

Managing Toxicity

Wize Mamas,

I just learned the term Body Burden, which refers to the level of toxicity in the body based upon the accumulated chemical burden of  environmental toxins, plastics, and what blogger Kristie Connor refers to as “synthetic grossness.”  While her description may be amusing, the magnitude of this very real problem is not. [...]

Dressing for Independence and Self Esteem

Hey Wize Mamas,

Anyone who has parented a toddler can identify with the struggle which ensues when a well-meaning adult rushes in to “help” a child with a task they are attempting to do on their own. Imagine this scenario: the child has pushed her head through the armhole of her favorite ‘princess’ dress, [...]