parent tribe issue three | Autumn 2013
...be creative daily workshops, yoga practice around family, a family living in Thailand, craft mamas feature, an infinity scarf tutorial...
be creative be free be together
“Accept the children the way we accept trees,with gratitude, because they are a blessing, but do not have expectations or desires. You don’t expect trees to change, you love them as they are.” - Isabel Allende
contents Page 8 Page 10 Page 16 Page 20 Page 24 Page 30 Page 36 Page 38 Page 40 Page 42 Page 44 Page 49
Hello from Hatti Be Creative Daily A family living in Thailand share their story Developing Courage Crafty Mamas feature Fitting a yoga practice into family life Children’s infinity scarf tutorial Letting go poem Writer Alice Grist shares her family story Harriet & Garfield’s Feel good food The Burt’s first family festival - Solfest 2013 The Parent Tribe Directory introductory offer
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Our Contributors Clare Cooper Clare, 33, lives with her partner Neil, 43, and their three children Surya, 5, Shanti, 3 and Sol, 7 months, on the edge of The English Lake District. Both Clare and Neil are Yoga teachers, so yogic ideas are important to them, as is being in nature, living simply, good food, being with their children and materialising their creative ideas. Clare is a home-schooling mother who is with her children full time and when family life allows, teaches a small pregnancy yoga class and writes on all aspects of yoga and natural parenting. She also likes to choose creative projects that her children can be involved in including a natural parent and child group she runs alongside Hatti Burt called Beautiful Beginnings. In this edition Clare talks about how to keep your yoga practice going around a family and how you can get them involved, on page 30 >>
Jody Temple-White Jody, 43, is from Beaverton, Oregon, USA and lives with her husband John, 65, and children Riley, 16 and Allison, 11. Jody and her husband John both work from wherever they are located and spent the last year embarking on their dream of travelling the world together with their family. Jody runs an online consultancy and coaching business, and John works in the investment and insurance business. Jody also writes about their trip on her website The Courage Vibe, which is about the family’s courage as they learnt the difference between being travellers and tourists. Jody shares what she has learnt, by writing how we can show courage in our family lives on a daily basis. This month Jody shares a beautiful snd inspiring family story of courage on page 20 >>
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Julia Elmore Julia Elmore, 41 lives in a colourful, art-packed home in Barnet, North London with her two sons Tom, 9 and Max, 4. Julia runs Be Creative Daily, where she inspires women to explore their creativity both online and through workshops. Julia has been involved in Parent Tribe by sharing some of her creative photography and art in our last edition. In this edition Julia is sharing with us how to weave creativity into our busy family lives and what being creative means to her. She thinks that everyone’s lives should be a work of art! Go to page 10 to read Julia’s inspiring vision >>
Laura Akam Laura Akam, 28, is a very happy mum to Rojus, 4. She lives with her family in the small, beautiful, Baltic country, Lithuania. Laura creates all sorts of small knitted and croched crafts. This month Laura is featured in our Crafty Mamas feature but she is also kindly sharing a tutorial with us on how to make a beautiful infinity scarf. Don’t miss this on page 36 >>
Are you interested in contributing to parent tribe? We are looking for writers, poets, illustrators, photographers! Find out more here >>
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Hello and welcome to our 3rd edition I’m so excited to be sharing this with you as once again there are some fantastic inspiring families sharing what they do, throughout the magazine. This is the Autumn edition as the magazine will now be sent out quarterly, a decision I made after the not so recent news of our new baby, due in March 2014 exciting times for the Burt family! You may or may not have read my blog about my pregnancy, but this time round, (very unlike my last pregnancy) the first trimester was tough and I found juggling everything difficult. In fact I found even keeping my eyes open difficult! I now feel a lot better and have sensibly accepted the tiredness, and that I am actually growing a little miracle and have actually found quite a good balance. I have, for the first time in my life started turning into a morning person - going to bed early and getting up early whilst everyone’s asleep to get on with my work. I must admit the first few mornings it felt strange getting up in the middle of the night! Of course family comes first though and pregnancy is a very special time so I am taking the time to connect with and prepare for our new arrival, whilst winding down work wise as much as possible. It’s a perfect time of year to be winding down whilst the dark nights are closing in. Perfect
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for cosy nights in front of the fire and hot
bubble baths (with and occasionally without my special little man). Although it is my dream to live somewhere exotic, I’m sure a part of me would miss the British Autumn/ Winter, but definitely not how long they go on! On the Parent Tribe front we have just launched the directory where parents can shout about what they do, with their own full page listing and also network with one another. If you haven’t already checked out or fab parents already listed please do so at www.parenttribe.net/the-tribe-directory. You can also find out how to join with our fantastic introductory offer here>> For next year I am looking for lots more contributors for Parent Tribe. I’d love to find more parents and families to share their inspiring stories. I also plan to start some
kind present, bought from someone in the Parent Tribe community. Find out more by
online interviews and webinars for parents reading our Crafty Mamas feature here>> to share their expertise and experiences with one another. If this is something you’d
I hope this edition gives you a warm feeling
be interested in being involved with please this autumn. I’d love to hear your comments give me a shout! and feedback on our Facebook page >> With Christmas in the near future I’d like to
Thanks so much for reading
help all you lovely talented parents out there Happy days by giving you a chance to buy and sell your wares to each other by running a Parent Tribe Xmas special. I know how tough
Hatti Burt
Christmas can be financially for families so think it would be nice for us all to support one another by giving a special one-of-a-
Find out more about my story here >> 9
Be Creative Daily Julia Elmore, 41 lives in a colourful, art-packed home in Barnet, North London with her two sons Tom, 9 and Max, 4. Julia runs Be Creative Daily, where she inspires women to explore their creativity both online and through workshops. Giving birth to a child felt like the ultimate life. I seek to enable others to step away creative act. The joy of holding your newborn from a desire to be or create something in your arms for the very first time is a
perfect, to immerse themselves instead in
pleasure I cannot find the words to express. the pure joy of the creative process and turn In becoming a mother, everything changes
their life into a work of art.
and it is impossible to anticipate the extent to which your life will alter as a parent. One I am especially interested in helping women of the unexpected outcomes was that I felt
reconnect with their creative selves after
I lost my identity and turned to art in an
having children. As mothers, it can be easy
attempt to rediscover my sense of self.
to lose ourselves, focussing on the needs of our family and neglecting our own. By
I have seen, first hand, how art can change
cultivating a creative practice, we can
lives. For me, art is all about self-expression. reconnect with, and powerfully express our It is not just about creating something
true selves and in doing so, encourage our
beautiful, but about delving deep inside children to do the same. ourselves and letting all of our feelings and emotions spill out. I use art to explore and
Every
day
presents
opportunities
for
express the joys and the challenges of daily
creativity, whether playing with an old recipe
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in the kitchen, adding a new ingredient, or
I encourage the boys to engage in their
making up songs in the car with the kids passions and find ways of sharing them. on a long journey. My sons love the outdoor Tom has been playing the steel pan for a life, so we often venture off into the woods couple of years and having performed in a close to our home, or go down to London’s
group at school music concerts, he played
South Bank to play in the sand when the his first solos in a local cafĂŠ at the age of 8 on Thames tide is low, and we are blessed
their acoustic night. Max is my pavement-
with a beautiful park at the end of our road
chalking partner in crime.
which we often frequent. I use these outings as opportunities to make art with natural The boys attend our local school and it is materials, sometimes with the boys’ help, important to me that we walk there together, gathering materials together and creating
through the village and up the steep hill,
pictures and patterns with rocks, leaves every day. It is great exercise and helps us and sticks, sometimes alongside them, as feel connected to our community. Last year they enjoy in their own imaginative games,
I approached the school, offering to teach
building bridges across streams, skimming
art classes and now I run an after school art
stones in the water and making dens.
club there each week. When school Mums
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expressed an interest in making art too, I
offered workshops in their homes for groups of friends. This led to one to one classes at home for children as Birthday gifts. Running your own business is about being open to opportunities, seizing them when they appear and providing a service that makes people want to use you again and again. I have always had a portfolio career, juggling a number of jobs which enables me to explore different ways of working, mix with a variety of people and keeps me from becoming bored. In addition to my art classes and workshops, I work as a freelance curator and run a research programme for artists at Pallant House Gallery, supporting them with their personal creative practice. I love the sense of freedom this gives me, allowing me
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to work from home most days, and be there
equipped to attend to the needs of others,
before and after school for the kids. Keeping making for a happier family life. up with work during school holidays can be challenging though. This means being flexible, having meetings on Skype instead of in person, working long weekends and some rather late nights. I run a course from home called Kickstart Your Creativity which encourages Mums to engage in creative activities and live a life they truly love and I am in the process of developing this as an online course which will enable me to reach further afield and help more women. By following our own passions we are setting a great example to our kids and by looking after our own
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needs, we are not only happier, but better
Bursts of JOY: Simple ways to invite creativity into your everyday life, is free when you sign up for Julia’s newsletter at www.BeCreativeDaily.com
parent tribe
SUBSCRIBE NOW FOR YOUR REGULAR DOSE OF PARENTAL INSPIRATION STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX AND TO HEAR MORE FROM THE GLOBAL PARENT TRIBE COMMUNITY >>
Our Story
when time permits) while I built up my blog
Elizabeth Bradley, lives with her husband Billy, and their daughter Kaya, in Phuket, Thailand. Elizabeth is a freelance writer and travel photojournalist, as well as Holistic Coach. Her husband Billy is also an online entrepreneur.
making it work around family
and business, until about 6 months ago my husband finished his teaching job and went full-time into his online biz.
Tons of hard work, and learning as we went along. It wasn’t easy, I made so many mistakes but I think it’s better this way as I feel I earned the success instead of being handed it. Granted success to me just means getting paid for what I do, not being a millionaire. I want to be able to help more
Lifestyle and philosophy
parents work from home and have passion driven businesses, which is why I added the Holistic Life Coach training to my education.
Holistic and artistic! Free spirited and Our family tends to work in shifts, with either bohemian. A wee bit conservative in some Billy or myself working for a few hours here ways, but not many.
We chose to be based in Thailand after we
or there and then the rest of the day we spend as a family, going out for walks and
vacationed here, shortly after we lived in watching movies, reading books etc. Our Korea. We had planned on settling down in schedule shifts frequently depending on the UK ( where my family is from) but due what projects we are working on. to changes in the spousal visa it became impossible for my non EU husband to get a visa and so we impermanently moved back.
Our inspiration
We are now in the heart of Phuket Town
Well my husband and I are slightly obsessed
and love our location. We walk daily to local
with eachother. We’re one of those couples
cafes, restaurants, and temples, it’s lovely!
that do really poorly when apart. That and
home business
Billy wanted to be more a part of Kaya’s life. And the pay was really bad at his previous jobs, just under the poverty line, despite him
We are both work from home parents. Initially having a degree. We are seeing this as a it started as just being me ( I’m a freelance common theme nowadays: parents our age
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writer, photojournalist and holistic life coach not getting paid a living wage, regardless of
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their education or background. I say go at it alone, it’s not worth having a dead end job that doesn’t even ( or barely) pays your bills.
education options We homeschool although it is more like unschooling. I will be using the Earthschooling and Ron Paul curriculums as resources. The latter is free and goes heavily into economics and personal liberty.
ADVICE TO OTHER PARENTS Network, network, network. Have a GREAT website or blog, with superb design. Invest in getting SEO help if needed ( can cost under 200 dollars a month) . Remember, people don’t know about you until you make yourself known, so you absolutely 100 percent MUST master online marketing and marketing in general. It is not optional whatsoever, it’s the make or break point of a business. You must constantly be learning marketing techniques that fit your industry and niche. This is a game called whoever gets the word out to the most relevant people wins. Get a mentor too, if possible. I have about 5! I highly recommend for resources both Leonie Dawson’s Amazing Biz and Life Academy as well as anything IttyBiz does. I also offer one on one coaching for platform building for people who already have an online or local biz in the health niche.
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You can find out more about what Elizabeth does through her websites: www.ekbradley.net www.thrivinghealer.net and the family blog The Bradleys >>
3 words to describe how you feel about your lifestyle?
Bohemian. Exotic. Entrepreneurial.
When asked what was one lesson she learned from her mother, Maya Angelou
g n i p o l e e v g De oura C
answered, “I would say she encouraged me to develop courage. And she taught me by being courageous herself. And after years of leaving her and, I think, becoming courageous, I realized that one isn’t born with courage. One develops it. “And you develop it by doing small, courageous things, in the same way that one wouldn’t set out to pick up 100-pound bag of rice. If that was one’s aim, the person would be advised to pick up a five pound bag, and then a ten pound, and then a 20 pound, and so forth, until one builds up enough muscle to actually pick up 100 pounds. And that’s the same way with courage. “You develop courage by doing courageous things, small things, but things that cost you some exertion-- mental and, I suppose, spiritual exertion.” Parenting takes courage.
I remember
bringing my 2-day old son home from the hospital and saying to myself, “Don’t they know that I don’t know what to do once I get home?” Then time passes and gradually you make enough decisions to build your
“You develop courage by doing courageous things, small things, but things that cost you some exertion-- mental and, I suppose, spiritual exertion.” 20
confidence as a parent, which then develops the courage to take even more courageous action, like maybe go for that first trip “out in public.” Then a crisis may hit. Something happens to test your courage. It might be a diagnosis, an accident or a medical crisis, as it was in
our family with our 18-month old daughter. Like we did, you tap into the courage you’ve built to make decisions in this new situation. You move through it, making great and not-so great decisions, and as you do your confidence builds more courage which builds more confidence, and on it goes throughout your life. It is a beautiful dance between two forces that are always there for you.
anxious as the microphone was passed to
Courageous parenting isn’t learned in a day,
my 10-year-old daughter, Allison. I wasn’t
any more than muscles are developed in a
sure what she was going to do. You see,
single workout. I wish I could go to the gym
when she was 18 months old, she acquired a
and do a really hard workout that would last
brain virus that wiped out her ability to speak,
me a month. It’s the daily stuff that’s needed
eat and swallow. After years of therapy and
to build a healthy and strong body. So it is
a dim prognosis, she was able to speak,
with courage. Practicing courage makes
but not clearly. To a new listener, they may
you a courageous person and parent.
have thought she was deaf by the way she
It’s one thing to learn to be courageous announciated her words. She was excited ourselves; it is quite another to watch our to present her project. She practiced what kids learn it through what life tosses their she would say and we had a plan to help way. We don’t like it when our kids face hard
the audience understand her words. Riley,
times. It hurts.
her 15-year old brother, would stand by her
About a year ago, my son and daughter to support her and interpret, if necessary. were faced with a challenging, courage- My husband and I were breathless as we building situation. We were at a conference
watched from our seats.
and on the last day all the kids at the
As the microphone was handed to Riley,
conference were asked to go on stage and
he did his presentation and passed the mic
present the project they had been working
to Allison. She took a deep breath, looked
on during the event. All the children bravely
at the audience, introduced her name and
walked on stage and one-by-one passed
began her prepared talk.
the microphone along after explaining their
her voice over the speakers, she burst
special project. Some of the kids passed into uncontrollable tears.
As she heard The audience
the mic on without speaking and others hid was silent, frozen as we all watched and behind the curtain in absolute terror. I felt wondered what would happen next. My
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instinct was to run to the stage to comfort her, but my inner voice said, “Wait.” Over the next several minutes, magic unfolded.
Riley lovingly took the mic from
Allison, wrapped his arms around her and began telling the audience about Allison’s project.
As you listened to the sobs,
he comforted her and continued to sing her praises about her accomplishments He passed
to strengthen his courage muscle by being
Allison’s fear subsided. It is a moment I will
room. So while this was a difficult situation,
throughout the conference.
the microphone along and then proceeded the hero to Allison and showing her love and to stand on stage in a full bear hug until support regardless of the 250 people in the never forget. For years, each one of them
it was a springboard for the development of
room.
spoken on stage several times. Once she
had been developing their courage and on courage for both kids. that day, on that stage, their courage lit the Since this original experience, Allison has Later that day, I was approached by another gets over her initial stage fright, she is off Mom. She was upset with the way the and running and you would be hard pressed
children’s talks had been handled. She felt to get the mic out of her hands. While we it was an unnecessary moment of stress could have labeled her first stage experience for Allison. I listened to and understood her as negative, we chose to celebrate the courage both kids exhibited and focus on point of view, then shared my perspective. The way I looked at it, just getting up on that aspect. stage for all of the kids was an incredible
act of courage. In Allison’s case, managing Maya is right. We develop courage by doing to get five words out was a huge milestone courageous things, small things, then bigger which would be a foundation for future speaking experiences. While she didn’t get through her presentation, she learned an
things. Our children watch us and learn. We give them well-considered opportunities to practice courage, too, and learn from them.
incredible amount. She learned she could
Courage is contagious.
do it. She learned that she has the support
Written by Jody Temple-White Check out Jody’s blog TheCourageVibe.com or follow her on facebook & Twitter
of those around her. She learned her big brother was there for her regardless.
In
this experience, Riley got the opportunity
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courage is contagious
Crafty mamas!
Four crafty mamas from all over the world, share with us how they are getting creative and making a crafty business, out of the fab things they make. So inspirational! Make sure you check out their online shops or social media pages too!
Margie Valentin, 46, has a large tribe - Stephanie 26, her daughters Sophia 2 & Savanah 1, Samantha 24, her children Crystal 7 & Damien 5, Deanna 22, her son Jason 3 and her youngest Ashley, 13. She makes soaps, oils and butters which are 100% natural from her home in New York City. I have been a single mom for 14 yrs raising my younger one at home, it has been 4 strong independent women mostly on my somewhat easier to try and get my newest own, so far so good! They are good girls , venture up and running. Of course family great moms, hard workers and students.
always has and always will come first, so if I
For the last 9 years I have worked as must put it on hold so be it. a secretary for an electrical contractor My sister had amazed me with a Christmas however growing up around crafty parents, gift of home made lip balm, I simply was truly I can assume that I got the gift from them. In amazed and asked many questions about my start out years as a wife and mother my these “home made products�. I developed sister used to call me The Suzie Homemaker/ a love of making soap and decided initially Betty Crocker in the family and I loved it.
to do it as a hobby. It wasn’t until I posted a
I have always had a business nature about picture, that I had friends and family ask if I myself and have always tried to venture was selling the soap. It then dawned on me out in many different ways but through that I can do this, and thankfully I can and the years with all my trials and tribulations, am. it was always hard to get anything off the I do not only make your average bath soap, I ground. Now that my older three daughters make all kinds of shapes, characters, themes are grown and out on their own, with only and even make it with 100% all natural fruit.
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All my oils and butters are 100% natural. I hoping that I can expand that to many more also make soap for skin care, bath & body washes, lotions and whipped butters. At the moment I also started working with fundraiser committees, the Autism Speaks Foundation and Women with Voices / Domestic Violence.
My Autism pieces
foundations.
Find out more about Margie’s creations on her Facebook page Dass Creations >>
and Ribbons are sold and I donate 25% of the proceeds to the foundation. I am
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Laura Akam, 28, is a very happy mum to Rojus, 4. She lives with her family in the small, beautiful, Baltic country, Lithuania. Laura creates all sorts of small knitted and croched crafts.
able to do the job I love doing. I have to
Don’t miss Laura’s Infinity scarf tutorial on page 38 >>
and I treasure time spent with my family so
I’m very proud to be able to contribute
things and helping my son materialising
to Parent Tribe magazine and share my experience and some of my crafting skills with other parents. I really appreciate being a part of this wonderful community of mindful parents. I am currently a stay at home mum, trying to change my lifestyle to fit around more family time. I am doing this by building up my
be honest with you, being a full time parent and working at home is not easy, but it’s so rewarding! I am inspired by nature, simple conscious living, travelling, positive parenting ideas much. I also love expressing my creativity by making all sorts of handicrafts, up cycling his creative ideas. He is such a curious, intelligent four year old! I hope eventually this will progress to a small business, where I am able to combine my passion of making things and sharing my creative ideas with others, while being able to work at home and spend time with my family.
small handmade business, I hope I’ll soon be able to enjoy more flexibility and have a healthy balance between my family life and working at home. I hope that being a work at home mum will also give me financial freedom, while living my life the way I’ve
You can buy Laura’s homemade creations on her etsy shop LaRo Handmades >>
always wanted, choosing where and when I can work, and most importantly being
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Tanis Oliver lives with her husband Russell, son Tyler, 2, daughter Melody, 10 months, a cat and some fish in Leigh-On-Sea, Essex. Tanis makes homemade soy candles using up cycled containers.
I started making the candles a while back, for presents really and then got into the different jars, bowls and different colours. I use soy wax as it has a lower burn temperature and it is easier to handle, the colours are just food colouring. I usually make them while my little boy is at nursery and my baby girl is having a nap. It’s all done safely but I don’t fancy the mix of hot wax and children being in the same room!
Find out more about tanis’s homemade candles on her facebook page melody’s candles > 28
Do you make something that others could give as gifts this Christmas? Join our Christmas 2013 Parent Tribe Special and make some more money to help with your family celebrations.
Many people like buying handmade, one-of-akind gifts, so why not shout about what you do to the PT commiunity this Christmas. Our Christmas Special will be going out at the very
ÂŁ5 per advert or
FREE if you sign up to be part of the Parent Tribe online Directory >>
Advert details must be in by Friday 25th October.
end of October, which should give time for all
36 places available.
you talented parents to make and ship all your
To find out how to submit your advert and pay
wares before Christmas.
please visit our web page here >>
Fitting a Yoga Practice into Family Life One of the most common questions I am asked by parents is how do you manage to do yoga once you have kids? This is a really good question. As I’m sure you well know, once you become a parent the whole landscape of your life changes. The vast swathes of time available to you prior to having children suddenly seem to be swallowed up as your life takes on a whole new pattern. Whilst loving and caring for babies and children does take lots of time and energy, and is indeed a ‘full time job’ alongside whatever other work or business
Clare is an inspirational yoga teacher specialising in pregnancy yoga where she encourages women to explore yoga to support themselves through pregnancy and in preparation for birth and motherhood. Clare is the mother of three homeschooled children and co-founder of Beautiful Beginnings Playgroup in Cumbria.
Read Clare’s Blog The Essence of Yoga >> 30
you do, it is immensely nourishing to yourself as a parent to find, or create the time for some Yoga, or whatever other physical or spiritual practice you enjoy.
Why fit in a Yoga Practice?
Yoga within Family Life
I find Yoga particularly good as the postures When my first daughter was a baby I happily give me the opportunity to stretch and enjoyed a post-natal yoga practice every strengthen my body. On my mat I can become morning as she slept happily beside me aware of, and let go, any tension which may
or I did a breathing or meditation as she
have accumulated in my shoulders and breast-fed snuggled on my lap. However as postures help to keep my back strong for
she grew older and explored more and as
babywearing. Regular breathing practices two more babies joined our family, I have and meditations help me to keep aware definitely found it more of a challenge to fit of my emotions and thoughts and give me in regular yoga each morning. Our mornings the opportunity to explore and let go of any can now be busy and noisy with lots of feelings or thoughts which are holding me
activity. But when I do take the time to do
back. I find my regular, simple yoga practice
my practice, often with one, two, or even all
helps me to parent my children in the way I three children involved, we have fun and I hope to. I am able to become more aware really do feel the benefits in body and mind of my own frustrations and to let these
throughout the day.
go with my breath. I regularly build up my inner reserves of peace and calm which are Here are some of the ways I have found to always called upon in a busy day with little weave Yoga into daily life alongside babies ones.
and children:
•
Enjoy a breathing practice
first thing in the morning whilst you are still in bed and everyone else is too. Connect to your breath and follow its rhythm. Inhale Peace, Exhale Release.
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•
Every time you sit down to postures is good at this age, especially
feed your baby, make a point of consciously
if you have some toys around for them to
releasing tension throughout your body, then explore too. You can enjoy your practices focus on breathing love from your heart to whilst still being connected to your toddler as you are the same eye level. I have found
your baby.
•
If you have time in the
they tend to want to be picked up more if
mornings before everyone wakes up, you are standing, but seem content to play investing ten minutes or more in some when you do postures at their level. simple postures is a fabulous start to the
There really is so much
meaningful Yoga you can do which
day.
•
•
If your babies wake up and includes your children. Have a go at
like to be with you when you get up (as
teaching them your favourite postures.
mine always have) it is remarkable what you
Children are naturally flexible and inquisitive
can do whilst breastfeeding and snuggling
as well as being great imitators, so give
a baby. Once you have the baby latched them the chance to join in and you may be on and happy, explore some basic seated surprised how good they are. I have found postures such as legs in butterfly or wide
they often like to do this for a few postures
straddle. You can work deeply on your and then are ready to go off and play as stretching whilst focusing inwards and you complete your practice. This creates a visualising your breath moving up and down harmonious start to the day. your spine. You get a deep Yoga session
•
If your kids are keen to be
whilst your babe gets his milk. Cushions involved, making the postures into a help here!
•
story such as a jungle walk with different When your little ones start animals is a fun and creative way to enjoy
to move around they are fascinated by Yoga. Think cat, lion, dog, elephant, butterfly watching you do your different postures. etc. The stories can be wild and wonderful So enjoying a range of seated and kneeling and you can make postures up to fit.
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•
Little children love anything
that includes loud or funny noises. Adding an animal noise such as roaring lion or hissing snake works well. Think dogs and cats for basic postures you can both enjoy. The pranayama brahmari - the humming bee breath is a really fun practice which kids love. Continuous humming on the exhale brings feelings of peace and inner focus as well as being fun and easy to do.
•
Babies and children really
enjoy the repetitive rhythms of mantras, and these are also excellent to practice during pregnancy as your baby soaks up their gentle rhythm. Sitting with your kids and chanting a simple mantra can be really uplifting for you all. Start with something simple which you enjoy and they can pick up easily. We regular use OM, OM NAMAH SHIVAYA and OM MANE PADME HUM. There are lots of videos on YouTube and great mantra cds available to get you started. This is also a useful thing to do to re-harmonise you kids if everyone is a bit fractious once they are familiar with it.
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Yoga doesn’t always have to be ‘on the mat’ indeed letting your practice blossom out and touch other areas of your life is very rewarding:
•
Walk barefoot on the grass
when your kids are playing in the garden or at the park, I do this when pushing them on swings with the baby in the sling. Feel the Earth beneath your feet, take deep breaths, inhale and exhale all the way to the centre of the Earth. Let go to the Earth and breathe in her strength and nourishment.
•
If you feel your patience
being tested instead of mindlessly reacting with anger, take 3 deep breaths. Let your anger diffuse. Next breath in calm, strength and peace and respond to the situation with clarity and gentleness. Gently
•
When cooking a meal, or
indeed any (every!) other activity, do so mindfully. Mindfulness means being in the present moment being conscious of what you are doing. Notice every detail of the vegetables you are preparing, include all of your senses in the meal preparation and invite your children to do this alongside you. Light candles and enjoy the meal as a blessing and celebration of being together. Taste, smell and enjoy the appearance of
Do your best, any Yoga is better than none at all. Introducing Yoga to your children as they watch, play and try it out alongside you whilst they are small really is a precious gift which they may or may not choose to explore and make their own as they grow up. Either way you get to nourish yourself physically and spiritually and those around you get the opportunity to learn the importance of mums and dads taking care of themselves as well as their families.
the food and your family members around you.
PEACE TO ALL, LIGHT TO ALL, LOVE TO ALL
Parent Tribe magazine has been designed with love by
cs
creativesoul a design studio with a conscience
Hatti Burt of Creative Soul is an experienced graphic designer and web designer. Services include branding, logo design, publications, web design and more! Hatti loves to work with ethical entrepreneurs and is very flexible around family commitments. Creative Soul has worked with clients all over the World including the UK, USA and New Zealand. All communication can be done on Skype, Facetime or email.
www.thecreativesoulstudio.com
Children’s infinity scarf tutorial Written by Laura Akam
This is very easy and quick to make
•
children’s infinity scarf/cowl tutorial, so just
– I used two strands of merino wool and
grab knitting needles, some yarn and create
acrylic blend, so the cowl is thick and warm
a warm stylish accessory for your little one.
enough but still soft and easy to care.
The yarn of your choice (any DK yarn)
If you increase the number of stitches and make it longer, it should fit perfectly for an adult too (beautiful handmade Christmas gift!).
One. Cast on 20 stitches Two. Knit all rows until the desired length is achieved. The cowl is meant to be worn
As most of my hand knitted items are made
looped around the neck twice. Longer or
following my own patterns, I do not have
shorter is up to you.
strict rules about the yarn or size of knitting
Three. Bid off stitches, weave ends.
needles. I just keep experimenting until I get the result I am happy with. You will need: •
2 knitting needles, size 4.5 mm (US 7)
or any other size you feel comfortable to knit with (depending on the yarn you choose)
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Four. Sew both ends together. (I chose to crochet sides together, it’s up to you).
If you have any questions, please contact me through Etsy or Facebook and I will be more than happy to help you!
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Letting Go First you hold them like a secret you only suspect is true. Then soft knockings from within tap out messages for you. Slowly the body allows escape, you hold them in your arms, dazed and milky, full of love, pledged to defend from harm. Then you hold them to your heart and put them to the breast. But they learn to walk away like any other guest. Written by Angela Topping First published in Musings on Mothering (Mother’s Milk Books, 2012) and also Letting Go (Mother’s Milk Books, 2013) Image ‘Seeds’ copyright Lois Rowlands
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Our Story Alice Grist , 34, lives with her partner James Mabbett , 34, and their daughter Ivy Belle, 1, in Leicester. Alice works from home and writes spiritual books, James is a musician and music producer.
lifestyle and philosophy James and I are both creative type folks, though my creativity is shot through with
as I call it, and it all fell together perfectly for the beginning of our little family.
home business
spirituality. I’m an author of two spiritual Work from home, four days a week, with books for newbie spirit seekers, and my childcare from Grandmas. I love that Ivy has
latest book Dear Poppyseed, A Soulful bonded with not only me, but her Nana and Momma’s Pregnancy Journal is the soulful Anny (Granny). It’s reminds me of the ‘old (and very human account) of my pregnancy days’ when we lived in villages and all the with Ivy. James is a musician and music women were hands on in raising a child. producer working from the studio he built She is surrounded by love, and has true in our loft. Alongside this we have day-jobs
constancy. If I could be a FT mum I would,
too. I am blessed beyond belief to work but then perhaps I would be robbing her of from home. I did work in an office though at the blessing of her Grandmas! the same time as falling pregnant, our office
was closed and I was gifted the chance to be a home worker. I believe strongly in the magic of coincidence, or non-coincidence
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Making it work around family I have very different ideas about child raising to the Grandma’s. They come from a stricter age. I’m a full blown attachment parent who BF’s, co-sleeps, baby wears etc. Happily the grandma’s have listened to how I want things doing and respected it. Sometimes they question… But always respect my decisions. As I write this Nana is currently baby wearing Ivy in the kitchen whilst doing the washing up. I think I may have created a convert! And in their defence, whilst I have occasionally resisted their input, they have offered up some nuggets of gold that have really helped me as a first time mum!
Our inspiration
Favourite family activity
It just happened to me, at the right time. I
Just being in the sunshine together. More’s
believe that when life is flowing in the right direction things fall in place. You can’t force life, if it’s right then it works. So we all just went with the flow.
education options I intend to homeschool Ivy.
ADVICE TO OTHER PARENTS
the pity it rains too much in the UK!
3 words to describe your lifestyle
Grateful. Grateful. Grateful.
Be prepared for long hours and interruptions. The house may be a bit of a mess as you juggle work and childcare. Accept help from family and friends when it is offered!
Find out more about Alice at alicegrist. co.uk or through facebook or twitter.
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H a rr i et & Garfie ld’ s off illness during winter and a teaspoon every 2-3 hours while ill. You can even drizzle the delicious syrup over pancakes, yogurt, or ice cream! Find elderberries growing in gardens and forests or along rivers and roads during autumn. We only just discovered them in our garden this year and have been living in this house for 5 years - Doh! One. Bring the elderberries to the boil with the water and spices. Simmer for 30 mins. Two. Pour through a metal sieve into a bowl
Elderberry syrup 1 cup of fresh elderberries 3 cups of water 1 cup raw/ manuka honey 1 large sterilised jar for storage Optional 1 tsp cinnamon 1 tsp ginger 3 cloves 1-2 star anaise Elderberry syrup is a proven natural remedy for preventing and healing the flu, colds, excessive mucus, sore throats, as it contains large amounts of antioxidants, potassium, beta carotene, calcium, phosphorus, and
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vitamin C. Take a tablespoon daily to ward
and push liquid through the berries with a fork. Three. Add a cup of honey (I used a full jar of Manuka Honey from Aldi!) and stir into mixture. Four. Pour into a large storage jar and this will keep in the fridge for 2-3 months.
Feel Good Food Non Dairy Strawberry delight 1 handful of strawberries 1 block silken tofu Agave Nectar to taste This is a super easy and healthy vegan treat that my friend Cath told me about. She uses it as an alternative cake topping, but we actually use it instead of soya yoghurt, as it has no sugar and the tofu is better for you than processed soya used in yoghurts. This is full of protein and a great source of calcium too! One. Put all ingredients into a bowl and whizz up with a hand held blender. Two. Serve with fruit, your favourite crumble or as a cake topping. Three. If you have any left over store in an airtight container in the fridge.
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The Burt’s 1st family festival at Solfest 2013. Good Music, Good Food, Sand pits, story tents, crafty workshops, camping with a view over a tarn, friendly folk - the perfect family festival! We also met some inspiring families. Find out more on the next page >> 44
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The lovely people we met at Solfest...
Kerry, Megan, 9, Theo, 4 & Orla, 8 months, Donna, Amy, Rowan, 2, Maddy, 9, Minnie, from Nr Preston. 5, Kim and Felix, 1 from the Association of Radical Midwives (ARM) Why Solfest?
Why Solfest?
stage and I am happy with the kids here, it’s
normality in pregnancy.
My husband works on the lights on the main a good family festival.
How many times have you been here?
We are here to promote the ARM and
How many times have you been here?
Amy, 3 times, Donna, 4 times and the ARM
We have been coming for 6 years.
has been coming for 8-10 years.
This is the first festival we have been to with
Yes to Glastonbury & Buddhafields, and will
my husband this year.
be attending The Alchemy.
Have you been to any other festivals this Have you been to any other festivals this year? year? More about you?
I’m a social worker.
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Shelly, Phil and Lily, 2, live on a narrow boat Kris and Jennifer, 19 months from Burnley Nr Skipton. They make a living running their stall Festival Emporiam. How many times have you been here? This is our first time at Solfest.
Have you been to any other festivals this year?
Yes we have been to 20 festivals now this year and have 3 more to go.
Who makes what?
I (Shelly) make things out of glass and Phil Makes all our wooden products. We also
Why Solfest?
I am working on a friends jerky stall. I love coming here as it is small, close, family friendly and there are lots of lovely people.
How many times have you been here?
I came here for the first time last year.
More about you?
I’m a part-time receptionist and volunteer in a sling library.
sell fair-trade gifts.
www.thefestivalemporium.blogspot.com 47
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