Mommy Matters Online Wants to Know If You're a Beta Mom

I was reading the Lactavist's blog and heard a new term to describe some moms.It was Beta Moms.

What's a beta mom?

"Beta Moms still want their kids to be successful, but they don't believe that helping their kids reach their goals necessarily involves over achievement or keeping up with what other people define as "norms." In their efforts to adjust to the myriad challenges and stressors in their lives, many moms are beginning to believe that it's more about balance than perfection.

Beta Moms’ hair may not always be perfect or their homes spotless, but they’re okay with that. For many, their lessened anxiety makes it all worthwhile. They’ve liberated themselves from feeling the pressure to do it all, and now they believe that as long as their kids are healthy and happy, they don’t need to.

Beta moms...slackers and proud of it. Are you with me?"

I think a lot of moms are starting to ignore what magazines and T.V. tell them Mom's should be and look like. I personally don't like being summed up in a word, but as far as summaries go...I think it's right on. What do you think?

Unschooling on Progressive Parenting

Today's show was on UNSCHOOLING. I know many people are familiar with Homeschooling but not Unschooling. Our guest today was Dayna Martin. Dayna is a Natural Parenting Advocate, Natural Childbirth Educator, Breastfeeding Counselor, Certified Doula, and founder of The Baby wearing Project. She is also a freelance writer who has been published in Live Free, Learn Free magazine and Life Learning magazine. She has four "truly free" children and a peacefully-loud husband whom she lives and learns with everyday. Their family recently appeared on "The Dr. Phil Show" introducing mainstream society to the ideals of radical unschooling.

To give you a taste of what it means to unschool here is a snippet from her site:

"For the involved parent facilitating their child's learning with an environment rich with resources, attending school is completely unnecessary. Unschooled children do not have to deal with typical peer pressure. They are not graded or measured. They are not segregated by age. They are not bullied, or moved around by bells. Also Unschooled kids do not have to be away from their families. They do not have to ask permission to go to the bathroom or move from their seats. They also do not have a mundane life living someone else's agenda. In short, our Unschooled children are truly free.

Radical Unschooling is an evolution of our understanding about learning and the rights and respect of children. We are on the cusp of change and many people are looking for alternatives to the traditional schooling model. With Unschooling, we are reprioritizing. We are taking back our freedom and putting happiness, connection and family first!"

The following may help shed some light on the topic...but if you would like more info please go to www.unschoolingamerica.com

Tune in next week and the following as we continue our discussion regarding school and the different options people have here in the Valley when it comes to education and their children. Call us during the show with questions or comments or suggestions: 559-266-8888



also an instructor from Coil Yoga called and let us know she is teaching a yoga class for kids here is more info:

COIL Kids Yoga with Sarah
Date: Saturdays, February 7th- March 28th


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Time: 8:30 am-9:30 am
Location: COIL Yoga, Studio B
Cost: $12.00 drop in for kids or use a Kids Class Card.

COIL Kids Yoga is a 7-week session that runs consecutive Saturdays starting February 7th and ending on the 28th of March. In this session children ages 6-12 will be a part of a fun filled yoga inspired class that will incorporate a yogic theme each week. The classes will involve simple breathing techniques, reclining, seated, and standing poses that engage the imagination and soothe and calm the nervous system. Each class will build on these yoga fundamentals through experiential learning. Yoga is a wonderful way for kids to release physical tension, help them focus and concentrate, and feel peaceful by engaging in stretching and strengthening exercises synchronized with their breathing. The main goal of this camp is to offer kids a way to enjoy yoga through exercise, games, song, and laughter.

Please email or call to reserve your space: 559-270-4709

please email me and let me know what topics you would like more information on:
www.mommymattersonline@sbcglobal.net

Circumcision

Mommy Matters Online and Progressive Parenting Radio Show feel very strongly about parents having informed consent, before making important decisions regarding their health. We do not set out to make parents feel bad about their choices, our only intent is to help new parents find out what their options are before making tough decisions and to let them know they are not alone. Our doctor told us, when we asked about circumcision, that "it doesn't hurt the baby and why wouldn't we want the baby to look like his father? That was all the information we received. Luckily we didn't have to make a decision as our second child was a girl. We are about to have a third child and do not know the sex of the baby, and one of our relatives asked me if we were going to or not and when I said no they were surprised. So I thought now would be a good time to blog about this topic again. For more information on where MOST doctors stand on this topic go to www.nocirc.org and click on doctors opposing circumcision Genital integrity Statement. Regarding the following video: Be sure to watch part 1 first, wait a second and when it says part 1 click on the video and it will play. Part 2 is a bit graphic, but so is the procedure.

Doulas in Fresno Unite!

I thought I had met all the Doulas working in Fresno, but lately I've heard about four or five I've never met. If you know a Doula, ask her if she's heard about C.R.N. Childbirth Resource Network here in Fresno. Have them email me www.mommymattersonline@sbcglobal.net. We refer clients amongst one another, exchange knowledge and information and offer one another support. Doulas of Fresno County Unite!

Post Partum Depression in Fresno

Having a baby is supposed to be a happy time. Right? Unfortunately, it isn't for everyone. The "Baby Blues" is typical after a baby is born, but if feelings of sadness persist for weeks, get thee some help. Two weeks ago, Jan 1st our guest was Patricia Neufeld LMFT. On our show we discussed the line between depression and the blues.

CHOOSY MOMS CHOOSE CHOICE!

I think that if all of us moms got together we'd be able to accomplish whatever we put our minds to. Washington is going to find out this year just how many moms vote. If you need some help keeping up with issues that pertain to us, our children, and our families here's a great site that will help. Every mom I knows says they are mom first, whether they are governors or doctors. So we are moms before we are Republicans or Democrats. Let me know if you like this site and if you find it helpful.

http://momsrising.org/