Mountain Village School News

NPR produced a series called "How to Raise a Human" and it was fantastic. I really loved hearing the short stories on the way to school in the morning. I appreciate the focus on early childhood and the different perspectives that they bring to raising children. My most favorite is this one from May,  Secrets of Maya Supermom: What Parenting Books Don't Tell You . If you have time to listen to it, you should.  The key differences between the Mayan culture and popular Western cultural parenting practices is that parenting isn't about control for the Mayan people. The goal is to be collaborative with your children, to involve them, hear them, and make decisions that affect them with them. The parent is still in charge but the behaviors of a parent are not to boss the children, which is a common behavior we often see in our own society.  Another key difference between our cultures is that the mother is not expected to do everything. There is a cultural recognit...

The words, "I hear you," are powerful. To stop and say that to a child in the moment, especially when there is a lot going on and we can't divide our attention in any more possible directions, is important. This is something I have even caught myself saying at home to my dogs when I am trying to take care of both children and the dogs are asking for my attention at the same time. Acknowledging that you hear your child saying your name over and over while you are in the middle of a conversation with another adult and letting them know it will be just a couple of minutes and you would appreciate if they could wait patiently without interrupting, is not only respectful to children but very reassuring and powerful. It is a simple thing to do but definitely takes practice. Verbally acknowledging children makes them feel heard. It makes them feel like they matter to you. Following up with getting down to their level, looking at them, and truly listening once you have a m...

This bridge will only take you halfway there   To those mysterious lands you long to see:   Through gypsy camps and swirling Arab fairs   And moonlit woods where unicorns run free.   So come and walk awhile with me and share  The twisting trails and wondrous worlds I've known.   But this bridge will only take you halfway there–   The last few steps you'll have to take alone. "The Bridge" by Shel Silverstein This year MVS is sending off our largest-yet "graduating class" to kindergarten. We are so proud of all of these children and very excited for their next steps, but it is undoubtedly difficult to say good bye to those who have grown with us for years. Every child shapes our community in unique ways, and the 17 who are moving on this year will be greatly missed. Thank you to all the parents, grandparents, siblings, and other friends and family who joined us for the ceremony on Friday. We were...