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Toddlers

Friday, August 5, 2011

The Brookline Parent

Declarations of Independence

Surviving the emergence of determination and self-confidence

When Muffin and Squeaker were infants, things were difficult for Michael and me because we were new parents with no clue what we were doing. We had to adapt to the new challenge of having two babies totally dependent on us and the burden of doing so on minimal sleep. “It will get easier,” everyone told us. And to some extent they were correct. The day-to-day effort of handling the needs of the girls has gotten easier. But as Muffin and Squeaker mature, they discover more that they want to do, and it is up to us to determine what is safe and what is possible and, as necessary, stand our ground when they want to do things we have determined are not permissible. Unsurprising to either Michael or me, Muffin is the more active boundary pusher. …

Friday, April 15, 2011

The Brookline Parent

Four Answers for Two Toddlers

Incorporating Passover tradition without screwing up bedtime

Next Monday night, Michael and I will start observing Passover with our family and friends. As part of that observance, we will be having a seder, the ritual meal and telling of the story, in our home on the first two nights of the holiday. Many of the elements of the seder, such as the songs we sing and the symbols we place on the table, are included to entice and interest the children at the table. In fact, the centerpiece of the introduction to the story of the Exodus from Egypt are the Four Questions traditionally asked by the youngest at the table. The Four Questions are actually introduced with another question, usually translated as "Why is this night different from all other nights?" With Passover coming after the beginning of …

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