If you’re from Ann Arbor or Ypsilanti, babywearing is delightfully ubiquitous, and so I’ll assume you’re on board with the idea of combining backpacks and babies. Come along on a fantastic hike around our babywearing culture in this mecca for babywearing folks and activities. Babywearing, or carrying babies in slings on your body instead of in strollers, has had a resurgence in popularity in the last decade, as attachment parenting has gone mainstream. According to Allison Valerio of Ann Arbor Babywearers, which meets in Ypsilanti, the last four years in particular has seen an explosion of new babywearing gear on the market, aimed at parents looking for more choices for baby gear even up into toddler-sized baby slings.
Posts filed under Children
Parenting in the Age of Legal Cannabis — Telling Your Children the Truth Gives Them Freedom, Not Permission
Dori Edwards of Blue Sage Health is the co-founder of the Ann Arbor Medical Cannabis Guild, which promotes standards for cultivating holistic Cannabis alongside professionalism and integrity in cannabusinesses. After decades of prohibition, parents are now in a strange place. In the CW Journal Conscious Parenting column, Edwards asks, "So what can you tell your teenager that is more nuanced and appropriate in the age of legal Cannabis? As parents, we should stay focused on what we genuinely know, and not let fear get the better of us."
Ann Arbor Skate Park – A Welcoming Place
When was the last time you pushed your edge in public? Or really connected with your kids learning a new activity together? How often does your tween or teen get excited to turn off the video game and go somewhere and be active? Have you ever wished your son or daughter felt a sense of belonging in a community of peers outside of home or school?
Children’s Book and Media Reviews
By Sarah Newland, Waldorf parent of two children, ages 9 and 17
Ganesh’s Sweet Tooth
By Sanjay Patel and Emily Haynes
This is not a retelling of the classic legend of how Ganesh broke his tusk, though it is loosely based on the story. Some elements and scenes in this book are not found in Hindu mythology (the super jumbo jawbreaker laddoo!), and certain plot points were changed to develop an original, fun picture book. It will entertain and inspire readers to learn even more about the rich and varied stories of Hindu mythology.
$7.99
Tree of Wonder: The Many Marvelous Lives
of a Rainforest Tree
By Kate Messner and Simona Mulazzani
This is a lush and fascinating book about the rainforest’s abundant beauty and the wonderful multiplicity of life sustained by just one almendro tree. Your child will search and count through each page while learning scientific facts about each animal.
$16.99
A Rock is Lively
By Dianna Hutts Aston and Sylvia Long
A book about rocks and crystals for kids! Sometimes a book comes along that is just perfect for Crazy Wisdom. This is one of them. Beautiful pictures combine with just enough facts to keep slightly older children interested. Fun for budding geologists.
$7.99
Swan: The Life and Dance of Anna Pavlova
By Laurel Snyder and Julie Morstad
One day, Anna’s mother takes her to the ballet, and the girl’s simple life is changed forever. Anna grows up to become the most famous prima ballerina of all time. The elegant style of these drawings are captivating, and the book is perfect for slightly younger kids interested in dance.
$17.99
The Categorical Universe of Candice Phee
By Barry Jonsberg
Candice Phee isn’t your typical 12-year-old. She has more than her fair share of quirks. But she also has the very best of intentions and an unwavering determination to make sure everyone around her is happy. Which is no easy feat when you’re dealing with a pet fish with an identity crisis, a friend who believes he came from another dimension, an age-old family feud, and a sick mom. But she is on a mission. This is a heartfelt and fun book for middle schoolers.
$6.99
Flower Heaven
By Else Wenz-Vietor
In the Waldorf tradition of Elsa Beskow, this lovely little book is about what happens to plants and flowers once their petals have been plucked or uncared for. The angels in flower heaven nurture and heal them, of course!
$16.95
French Dreamland cd
By Putumayo World Music
These charming lullabies will transport you to the lavender-scented French countryside. Wonderful for Francophile parents, too!
$13.95
CWJ Kids — Music and Movement for the Very Young: Gari Stein Adds “Baby and You” Class to Her Offerings By Nieka Apell
Many Ann Arborites are familiar with the name Gari Stein and her acclaimed music classes and curricula for children. What families with young children may not be aware of, however, are her group classes for babies as young as three months old with their caregivers.
Animal Educators: The Creature Conservancy Provides a Home for Animals and Educational Opportunities for the Community
Zoos provide opportunities to see unique animals, but where can children and adults go to touch exotic animals and ask questions about them? The Creature Conservancy, an Ann Arbor-based nonprofit organization, provides that type of hands-on learning experience for children and adults.
