As a new parent, you may be on the lookout for books, podcasts, websites, and YouTube videos to help you with some of the different parenting problems that you may encounter. Avital the Parenting Junkie is a designer, mindful parenting coach, and homeschooling mom to four little ones who is dedicated to helping moms and dads become the most loving parents they can be.
Like many new parents, Avital's journey began by worrying about how to make sure she was doing things "right." And, also like most parents, she learned that there is no one size fits all answer when it comes to parenting. What's "right" for one family, may not be "right" for another. So she reads and interprets books, blogs, and parenting courses, tries them out with her own family, and shares what works for her on her blog and YouTube channel. Here are her five most helpful videos.
A Day in The Life: Homeschooling 3 Little Ones
What's it like homeschooling three little ones? The Parenting Junkie takes viewers through her day, starting with kid-led art projects first thing in the morning. They slowly keep the day moving with breakfast and some math work. While the baby naps and the kids do some independent play, she goes about the house doing work, prepping food, and cleaning up. Because her kids are used to playing independently, she is able to get lots done!
While the kids are playing, she tries not to interfere. If the kids ask her to participate in an activity, she will make time for them, but she does explain that it's important for the kids to learn that when she needs time to do something, she shouldn't be interrupted.
Playroom Tour: Three Play Zones Every Kid Needs
In this video, Avital discusses the three zones that a family needs in their home that are conducive to promoting healthy, safe, independent play for kids, as well as reducing stress for parents.
The first zone is the "Messy Zone." It's an area for arts and crafts and sensory play. Avital suggests leaving materials and supplies out and about in this area so that when inspiration strikes, kids are able to create. She uses clear containers and organizers to store supplies in a way that keeps everything together and easy to manage.
Next is the "Quiet Zone." This is a place where kids can get cozy and snuggle up with books, blankets, and pillows. She suggests using warm lighting and comfy furniture to make a place that is good for calming down and relaxing, especially before bedtime.
Finally is the "Play Zone." The Parenting Junkie suggests keeping this area neat and organized, especially if it's a shared space for the whole family. She uses a cabinet with lots of storage baskets full of toys that encourage imaginative play - Magnetiles, a play kitchen, a dollhouse, building blocks, musical instruments.
How to Handle A Tantrum
In this video, Avital and Dr. Laura Markham role play to give parents a way to handle a whining child and what to do when that behavior escalates into a full-blown tantrum. By acknowledging the child's worry, restating what the child needs, and not giving into the child's demands, you can calm them down and respond to their needs for attention in a positive way.
Why You Shouldn't Discipline Your One-Year-Old And What To Do Instead
A first-time mom asks Avital how to discipline her super curious baby who is crawling and getting into everything. Avital's response? You don't!
It is The Parenting Junkie's opinion that one-year-olds don't need discipline and that babies should be encouraged to explore the world around them. In this video, she explains that babies need to use their bodies to learn, so she explains how to change your environment to make it safe so that they are free to explore.
Minimalism And Toys: The Only 10 Toys You Really Need
This is one of The Parenting Junkie's most popular videos. For parents interested in adopting a more minimalistic lifestyle, Avital suggests ten types of toys that are great for encouraging open-ended, imaginative play, and limiting the amount of toys you provide!
Some of the toys that she mentions are basic building blocks such as the old-fashioned wooden kind, Magnetiles, and LEGO that encourage kids to build, take apart, and build again. She also mentions that boys and girls alike should have a simple doll that kids can play with and develop nurture, as well as practice talking, playing, feeding their doll.
Sources: The Parenting Junkie, Becoming Minimalist