Nurturing children for a more compassionate world. This mission keeps us busy, as it's clear we could all use more compassion than ever. With our news and views so fractured, what besides compassion will get us truly listening and communicating?
We're checking out the social media documentary, A Social Dilemma. You might want to as well, with its impact on our children as well as society.
It is a dilemma. As we endeavor to provide a healthy childhood for our children, social media is a challenge, especially when COVID means not seeing friends (what platform are they on now?!). And for us parents, social media has been a lifeline during COVID as meetings are canceled. At the same time, social media has also been trying with the not-so compassionate responses to differing opinions "safely" distanced by internet connections. Meanwhile, we don't know what to believe, or share. Do we trust, disregard, or spend hours to try to discern what's true with fewer answers than when we began? If not unplugging altogether, API did put together a great resource on sorting through parenting information, and while it won't help with what's collected on you as you browse, it will help you process parenting information.
As we come up on AP Month 2020, it seems fitting for this year of adversity to dig deep into adverse childhood experiences (ACES). This year's theme will take a look at API's work and the importance of positive childhood experiences, with research, articles, daily tips, a podcast, your encouraging photos, and more.
You can click through to read API Links September enews, as well as previous issues. We have assembled features from World Breastfeeding Week, including two children's books, Babies Nurse, and Our Milk Will Go, Our Love Will Grow. You'll also find articles on coping during this crisis and schooling. BabyBabyOhBaby breastfeeding and infant massage videos are still available to view free of charge on the API website. Read about The Hows and Whys of Attachment Parenting by Darcia Narvaez and Mary Tarsha. Read what we've curated on homeschooling, COVID, resilience, staying connected, why you're overwhelmed, and more.
API is busy behind the scenes with an updated Attached at the Heart curriculum, an online class, a new online training, a new podcast program, new website, APtly Said updates, anti-racism resources for families, leader resources, some other surprises in store, and, of course, AP Month.
Local AP group meeting resources are now released with updates and organized an in a new searchable catalog. Materials can be adapted for Zoom meetings, and we will have many more resources to add soon. The catalog is also ready to receive any group meeting plans and resources submissions you would like to share.
More than 25 people have participated in API's new leader preparation program. We invite you to consider it as well if you have not, or are a leader who would like a refresher. It's based on our long-standing program and you can move through it at your own pace. Currently, groups are supporting families over Zoom, while others are taking a break, so be sure to reach out for the most current information.
We invite you to consider volunteering in other ways too. We welcome these new volunteers, Rachel Cook, Katie Simmons, and Rachel Hinds, to API!
This is some of your best parenting... finding small moments throughout our day, where we can be emotionally present and relaxed with our children. It can go a long way in helping us stay positive about our parenting, even in this challenging time. API has joined with the National Parenting Education Network to share this important message with you. Join us in passing it along!
Sending compassion, discernment, virtual hugs, and wishes for good health,
Attachment Parenting International
