Adjusting expectations
One of my challenges as a parent (and a person who resists change) is to recognize and adjust to constantly changing situations. The ... read more
Recipe for Peace
I know peace. I see, hear, and feel it whenever I’m around young children. [slideshow] I am constantly trying to find a personal ... read more
No place we’d rather be
by Jennifer Sneeden It begins in the cozy corner. Twenty-five little bodies, squeezing into the small space that has served so many ... read more
Patience is a virtue…
Above and beyond, the most common thing people say when I tell them I work with small children is, “You must have so much patience!” ... read more
Give them time (a story of watercolors and preschooler theoretical physics)
I was walking through the room headed off to do something important somewhere else, with no intention of stopping or even lingering to ... read more
Monkey on a satellite
I’m leaving for vacation this afternoon, and I’m (of course, as always) bringing my camera. One of my favorite parts of traveling is ... read more
Lessons from Seedlings
My daughters’ time at Seedlings shaped the big kids they’ve become today. And, while they were learning to experiment and explore and ... read more
“Uninvited Guests” Show Up at Sunflower Theatre Camp
Sunflower’s approach to theatre is a lot like our approach to everything else: it’s all about play, process and fun. Parents got ... read more
An Owl Walk
Mom Ami Polonsky shares a story about Susan’s grandkids, who live in a suburb of Chicago. One late afternoon over winter break, ... read more
The Possibility of Something Really Important Happening
It’s always there– A tiny spark, and a space opens up. The idea bubbles, it gains momentum and cracks wide open. read more
Grandparent Adventures
I really love my time with my grandchildren, ages 7 and 5. This summer we have planned Camp Susan on Mondays and Wednesdays. We are ... read more
All Alone!
“All alone! Whether you like it or not, alone is something you’ll be quite a lot.” – Dr. Seuss. We marvel at young children’s ... read more
Potty Learning: When they’re ready, they’re ready
I remember the day I first heard the term “potty learning” as if it was yesterday. I was at a Little Sprouts class with my daughter and read more
How to make an invention
by Jennifer Sneeden Making an invention is very difficult… The first problem is that you might not know right away what you’re trying ... read more
Reading on their own timetable
Both of my children, now young adults, went to Seedlings. I loved the fact that there was no academic curriculum, that they spent all ... read more
Just part of life
Last month Sierra told me she wanted to visit a “graveyard.” My first thought was ‘she’s been watching too much Scooby-Doo.’ I said, ... read more
The essence of Seedlings
My daughter Emily started Seedlings last week. The first week of Seedlings, I took lots of pictures trying to capture the essence of ... read more
Crossing the Bridge
This morning my six-year-old son, Dylan, will cross over the Seedlings bridge for the final time (that’s Seedling talk for Graduation). read more
In defense of a magical childhood
In the harsh light of this fast-paced and highly-pressured world, my childhood memories of wonder and innocence are still part of who I read more