Home ed book-shelf: Getting back to basics

I love the start of a New year; it's the time and opportunity to revisit and reflect on where you are at and where you are going.  With that in mind, this selection of books is to re-inspire!

 Under Pressure: Putting the Child Back In Childhood
 Of my three children, one is most definitely moving away from childhood, one is on the brink (sometimes a child, other times yearning to be older) and one is still very much a child!  It is so easy to move children forward too quickly; our adult world consistently impinges on their needs and developments - and our own concerns and worries about 'keeping up' may lead us to push children (and ourselves) to the edge.  This book reflects on modern life, education and the basic needs of children.  I am re-reading it; as a result we are on a screen detox this week.  The i-phones have been put away, the second lap top closed, the i-pod shut down and the TV covered.  It's day two; the energy in the house is already so different.  Books are being read, games are being played and it is much noisier (is that a good thing?) as the children talk and play and sing instead of being sucked into the vortex of cyber space.  Loving it!



Nature's Playground: Activities, Crafts and Games to Encourage Children to get Outdoors
I am not that imaginative when it comes to being outside, but when I have been outside I feel rereshed and whole again (unless it's pissing down with rain - then I just feel wet.) Getting the children involved with wanting to be outside can be a challenge; this book is full of great ideas for children of all ages (and adults) that takes you through the seasons with simple ideas for enjoying nature and the outside.  Our home ed plan is to tackle one activity a week!


The Life Organizer: A Woman's Guide to a Mindful Year
Last year was so involved in the campaign to save Independent Midwifery and so busy with births, that I feel I was constantly rushing (apart from our time out in the states) and not as mindful of myself as I would have liked.  I purchased this book a couple of years ago, but last year it sat on my bedside table for 12 months without being opened.  I plan to use it this year with intention, to centre myself, nurture myself and find time to follow some of my own dreams.


Which will you add to your bookshelf?