Flexibility in Parenting
Becoming as prepared as possible for pregnancy and parenthood is something many of us strive for. Gaining knowledge, exploring different options, and understanding what’s available is an important first step. It helps build confidence and provides a foundation for decision-making as your child grows.
But one of the most essential qualities in parenting is flexibility.
No matter how much we learn or plan, children don’t develop on a fixed script. Their needs, personalities and developmental timelines are unique. What we think will be the “right” path before they are born may shift as we begin to observe and understand who they are.
Before my children were born, I never would have imagined homeschooling. It simply wasn’t part of the plan. Like many parents, I assumed a more traditional educational path would be the natural progression. And yet, just three years into life with our first daughter, that option began to feel not only appropriate but the best choice for her specific needs and development.
This decision came from a combination of education and observation. Understanding developmental patterns, neurological growth and individual learning styles allow me to look beyond convention and consider what would support her.
In many ways, this is the heart of parenting: the balance between knowledge and responsiveness. We prepare, we learn, and we gather tools, but ultimately, we must remain open to adjusting those plans based on the child in front of us.
Choosing homeschooling was not only something I believed would benefit her, but also something I came to recognize as a privilege.
Read More From Nancy
Your Intuition Matters
If I could sit across from every new mother, I would tell her: Your intuition matters. In my years as both a mother and chiropractor, I’ve seen how often parents sense that something isn’t quite right, even when professionals reassure them that everything is “fine”. Fine is not the same as thriving. In our book: “It’s […]
Preparing for Birth: From Perfection to Perspective
I often think about the preparation that goes into a first pregnancy. Some of us begin even before we conceive, while most of us dive in during those nine months of anticipation. This was certainly true for me. In my first pregnancy, preparation was an exploration — through books, conversations with elders who could guide […]
My Second Child
I made so many preparations for the birth of my first child, doing everything I could in the hope of being the best parent possible. But as every parent learns, no amount of planning prepares us for the responsibility and learning that come with welcoming a firstborn. When Emmy, my first, arrived, I remember carrying […]
