Sunday, September 12, 2010

what this blog is all about

So I started this blog for three main reasons.  The first being that I wanted to create a safe and comfortable environment for mothers to share their experiences.  In our current day in age, I think mothers are told what to think and do by people who have no clue.  Remember, we are the mothers so we know how best to raise our babes.

The second reason I started this blog is because it is a way to interact with others.  I grew up with very social parents. (They are actually at their "Old Lovers" club as I write this!) My parents have both started and joined into all sorts of gatherings (e.g., book clubs, neighborhood orgs., and activism groups). As an adult, I can now truly appreciate the significance of such gatherings. We are a social species and it is fullfilling to be among one another.

My third and final reason for doing this is because I love to write.  I love words and the power they have.  I appreciate that we own our words.  I think the written word is something taken for granted.  Too bad.

15 comments:

  1. Great idea Hannah and thanks for sharing with me! Can't wait for new posts! So what are the main topics that you want to cover here?

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  2. Thought you'd appreciate this:
    http://www.bustedhalo.com/blogs/a-life-of-significance

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  3. Ves- As you know, I suggested you read "The Continuum Concept." In her book, Liedloff compares our species to that of monkeys, referencing research on, "...the importance of cuddliness in mother monkeys to the psychological development in infant monkeys(p.74). She goes on to say that chimpanzees "whose behavior, even as another species, is closer to that of the human continuum than the behavior of present-day humans" (p.74). This is the kind of stuff I want to share and discuss--our thoughts on motherhood.

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  4. I think part of the problem is that many women choose to be told what to do. In a global world with so much information easily accessible, it is a challenge to assess and sift through "advice" and then personalize it to your own child. The beauty of the continuum concept is that the mother and child stay connected. Of course, the potential downside is that some mothers live vicariously through their children and may hold on too tight for too long.

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  5. This is true, MaryMidwife aka mama:) But the beauty of the continuum concept is that neither the mother nor the child "hold on too tight for too long" because they get all they need in the "in arms" stage. Just read the book already!!!!!!!!!!

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  6. What about women here in the US who have to go back to work when their babies are .. what, 12 weeks old? I think this is totally against nature. In European countries moms get one year off.

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  7. Not only do the mothers get one year off in places such as Sweden, but so too do the fathers. And part of the time is paid! Let's just move:)

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  8. In Slovenia mothers get one year off, and they can partially share it with the father. Of course they get paid meanwhile.
    Must be hard to implement the continuum concept, Hannah, for those women that go to work when their baby is 3 months old ...

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  9. Very true. You would be interested by Liedloff's thoughts on mothers and babies and work. She talks on how, in our society, babies are not within- they are, in a way, outsiders. When in fact, that should be within- learning the goings-on of the culture they will one day take a more active part in. From birth, children should be engaged in real-world activities, gatherings, work, etc.

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  10. You know, I just might read this book if I can find some time, for the main reason that I could converse with you about the topic. But like your mom said, many woman choose to be told what to do. I find that when we go with our instinct, it works out for our family. My kids are are happy and kind and loving all the good things of life. Looking forward to more on your blog.
    XOXO

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  11. Exactly, Carrie! This book is about listening to your instinct! The author, Liedloff, shares her opinion that in our current day-in-age we listen to the intellect and not the instinct— this is where life goes awry. And, yes, the intellect is influenced and indoctrinated by others and so, as you said, oftentimes women "choose to be told what to do" by others. I would like to say, however, that women deserve a little bit more faith and understanding from one another—the life of a woman and mother, though wonderful and priceless, is a challenge. It is therefore not surprising that many of us look to others for guidance in what to do—unfortunately, in some cases, this can lead to a sort of blind acceptance. But listening to others, if done through a critical lens, can also bring you back to your true self—to what you instinctively know to be true but have somehow lost along the way.

    Liedloff serves as just this—a reminder—not a judge. It is my opinion that Liedloff's goal is not to tell others what to do, but to remind us that we know what to do—each individual has a continuum sense—by recognizing how our intellect (influenced and sometimes orchestrated by a puppeteer), although important, has wrongfully usurped our instinct. This is why you have to read the book—it may be a critical viewpoint but so too it is a welcoming and understanding one.

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  12. I enjoy that all people have different views. As a family (and as people) we learn from one another. As people, we have different views but always respect and love one another. I am unhappy that it sounds if I don't prescibe to the parenting practice of this book, I am less human than a chimpanzee. I'm also having trouble believing that my intellect has usurped my instincts; I believe God has given us our intellect to enhance our instincts. This allows me to analyze my instincts as I parent my 4 children (with great success and happiness). And of course I agree that having faith and understanding with women is deserved! It's a wonderful way to enjoy our world, and I have great faith that women do their best to use both their God-given instincts and their God-given intellect to do what's best for their children. Looking forward to more on the blog, and on life as you embark on your journey of motherhood with your incredibly beautiful family!

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  13. Hope you do read the book, Carrie (and anyone else who hasn't). In order to fully understand the principles, you really must read the book. And, just to clarify, I do not agree with everything Liedloff offers- nor do I think she intends this for the reader. This is, once again, a book that offers insight into a culture unlike ours- a culture that resembles that of our ancestors. It is an opportunity to reevaluate our current social and familial practices. Take what you may, leave what you may.

    In no way at all does it mean you are less than anything, Carrie- God knows you are a better mother to your children than anyone else could ever be- and, yes, so too a chimpanzee! And of course I agree that one's intellect enhances one's instinct.

    God has allowed our species to evolve- I just think it is important that we are always self-reflective and challenge our beliefs. I include myself in this, of course. I apologize if my previous post in any way implied that you should prescribe to Liedloff's philosophy on parenting- that was not in any way my intention. My intention is to share my parenting beliefs and listen to others', too. In this way, perhaps we can all learn, perhaps change a bit, and perhaps reaffirm our current beliefs.

    Love you, girl. Always interested in what you have to say. You know I have great respect for you as a woman, mother, sister, and friend.

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  14. Can't wait to watch the movie Babies to see the cultural differences in raising babies. Should be interesting! Btw, talking about TV ... I've just read that watching TV is not good for children under two years - not even "educational" dvd's. Do you know if that's true?

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