I have seen lots of posts and photos around the internet of babies and toddlers doing mess-free finger painting, aka paint in ziplock sandwich bags. A charming, sensory experience – messy without the clear up. I thought I would see if Frida was interested. I popped some glitter glue and a couple of splodges of…
Read MoreTen months
Ten months old! Ten! We are having so much fun. She is the funniest and most delightful little companion. I must say, motherhood is pretty fantastic right now. Better than I had dared dream. I can’t wait to see what new things the next month brings.
Read MoreDeveloping object permanence: using the object permanence box
Famous Swiss psychologist Piaget argued that developing an understanding of object permanence – that objects and people are still there even when out of sight – is one of the most important things for an infant to come to terms with. For very small infants, when something is not being seen it is as if…
Read MoreDiscovering the sandpit
Today Frida had her first experience of a sandpit. I must say I was slightly apprehensive – I actually really dislike them and find the thought of getting grubby sand everywhere very off-putting (I can’t be the only one, can I?). However. That’s not Frida’s problem, it’s mine, and not a good reason to deprive…
Read MorePancake day!
Today is shrove Tuesday, or pancake day. Not that I need any excuse – pancakes are a weekly occurrence in this house – but it’s the justification I need for making them both for breakfast and supper. This morning I made some simple fruit pancakes for Frida and me which are perfect for baby-led weaning.…
Read MoreFinger painting
This morning I set up an art activity for Frida. One of her second cousins has a third birthday coming up so I thought it would be nice if he received a card from her as well as from us. I originally gave her a couple of felt tip pens, showed her how they…
Read MoreOffering choice: choosing clothes at 9 months
I read this brilliant blog post by Nicole from the Kavanaugh Report on providing meaningful choices for babies and toddlers and it really resonated with me. I want my daughter to learn that she can impact on her surroundings – that her desires are valid, and that the choices she makes are important. I don’t see why…
Read MoreLet’s go outside!
One of my golden rules of parenting (I don’t have very many!) is to go outside at least once a day. On days when I don’t manage this, I really see the effects, both with myself and with Frida. We are grumpier, more restless, and I feel tired and lethargic. However, I think there are different…
Read MoreMontessori in the home: a baby friendly sitting room
Last week I wrote about how we had changed our dining room to make it more Frida friendly, adding some shelves and a table and chairs. I thought I would also share with you the changes we have made to our sitting room. We really wanted to create a space where Frida feels catered for…
Read MoreSensory play: exploring colour
An easy way for babies to explore colour, light, and the properties of liquid, is to use coloured water jars. I made a set for Frida this morning and so far they have been a big hit. To recreate these all you need is: Small jars or bottles (I prefer to use real glass ones, under…
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