Attached at the Hip

Oompa for All

My two youngest boys both have birthdays in September, so I've been on the hunt for just the right thing for each of them.  Because I'm concerned about the effects of everyday toxins, I try to avoid plastic toys, and I always avoid character-related toys because of the commercialism.  This, of course, means there aren't a lot of toys I'd like for them in most toy outlets.  The good news, though, is that there are some fabulous stores, like Oompa, online with a vast array of wooden, cloth, organic, and European-made toys.  I've been spending quite a bit of time there, lately!

Oompa has long been one of my favorite places to find items for the boys.  Their toy selection is huge, with beloved brands such as Haba, Blabla, Käthe Kruse, and Plan Toys.  We've successfully replaced many of our older plastic toys with gorgeous wooden versions that are so much more appealing to the eye, as well as to the touch.  While the prices are obviously higher for responsibly made wooden products, I try to remind myself that a few well-made toys is far better than piles of cheap, potentially toxic toys.

And Oompa is not just toys.  Getting ready for school?  I was thrilled to find their Back to School section, replete with non-toxic alternatives for everything from backpacks to study desks to paints and crayons.  I think my oldest son would adore the solar system desk pad from Haba.  I've been tempted by the modern-yet-practical desks from P'kolino, as well.  Indeed, there are few things from Oompa that I would not welcome in my home!

If you're as thrilled with Oompa as I am, the good news it that they're offering $5 off on orders over $40 using code "BTS2008" (expires 8/31/08), and shipping over $65 is always free.  Now the only trouble is narrowing down what to get!

To be Human is to be Fallible

I've finally picked up The No-Cry Discipline Solution by Elizabeth Pantley (author of such great resources as The No-Cry Sleep Solution and Kid Cooperation), which has been sitting beside my desk and beckoning to me for several weeks. The book promises to be excellent, if the first few pages are any indication. I'd like to share a few of the quotes that jumped out at me from the section, "Banish the Myths."

You could do absolutely everything right. In fact, you could be a truly magnificent, spectacular, utterly faultless saint, and your child would still misbehave. The truth is all children misbehave. All children make mistakes. All children will whine, fuss, and have temper tantrums. This is true because all children are human beings--young, inexperienced, naïve human beings. And to be human is to be fallible--to make mistakes, to make poor decisions, and, hopefully, to learn from these. (page 9)

Parents are people, and people are not perfect. No matter how many wonderful skills we have, no matter how much knowledge we have, there will be many times when our emotions interfere and we don't react in the best ways. As a matter of fact, the more we know, the more critical we are of ourselves. We begin to see the mistakes more clearly and judge our own faults more harshly. The best parents are the ones who try the hardest, yet they judge themselves by the strictest guidelines. (page 14)

There are several other nuggets that are also worth pondering, printing, and pasting on your wall. But, I recommend you pick up the book rather than simply reading my favorite points! With the experience of her other work and the excellent beginning of this one, I'm quite certain it will be worth the read.