Is Mother's Day just for Mothers?

As I think about what it means to be a parent, I think about the old adage "It takes a village to raise a child".  On my own journey to becoming a woman, my mother and father  had many people to support them whether they knew it or not in regards to my upbringing. Many of these people did not have children but they parented my brothers, sister, and I.
 

Being a mother has been one of the most momentous times of my life and continues to be such. However I do understand that many of the adults that make up my community help to create my awesome experience as a parent by guiding my children along the way.  For me Mother's Day is a time to celebrate all  the females in your life who nurture your heart and soul. It doesnt necessarily have to be your birth mother, it could be any female that guides you on your personal journey. The same goes for Father's Day. Children also need guidance from positive male figures who help to respectfully shape their being. These men should be honored as well on Father's Day.

Ultimately it is of my thought that we should reevaluate the way we view the roles of "Mother" and "Father" or at least what it means to "Parent" a child.  As we start to notice the culture and climate of violence in our society and how we react to one another maybe having communal parenting may help wayward children focus on finding their way and completing their journey.


Nashima Harvey, Ed.M

SIMPLY BLACK and WHITE

About last night… My two year old daughter and I had a chance to visit the opening of the “in BLACK and WHITE” Exhibit at a local museum. It was a great opportunity to go out on a rainy Friday night, wearing black and white and receiving some culture while staying close to home. 

We are all about discovering and having new experiences. Besides, my daughter loves art and painting, so it was a great opportunity to make this her first time at an opening of an exhibit. 

As the pianist tickled the ivories playing christmas tunes we were able to walk around viewing exquisite artwork from local Union City residents. I was amazed to see so much talent in one room.

 Although i was afraid my two year old would be bored or have a meltdown, to my surprise she walked around viewing each painting with me and had some commentaries on one painting in particular by the artist David Aquino, of a man with a mouse on his shoulder. I didnt even notice the mouse until she pointed it out. Clearly she has a great artisitic eye. 

One of my favorite pieces were from the artist Juan Ramiro Torres. It had the Picassoesque feeling to me. Overall there were so much great pieces of black and white artwork to view that I feel I may need to visit the museum again just to experience the beauty once more. My family and I love museums and go at least once a month to the museums in NYC. 

However if you have a small museum in your town, you may be surprised at what you may find like I was. The best way to know is to do!



Nashima Harvey, Ed.M

Following a READING RAINBOW to a pot of GOLD in the CITY

On Saturday some of the members of THE LITTLE GREEN HOUSE and I went on a great field trip to the museum. At the museum they were having their 8th Annual Book Fair.

It was so much fun to watch the girls meet their favorite authors and  laugh and play throughout the day!

The Fair was packed with children's books with their fabulous authors. Parents and families from all over were excited to meet them and have their favorite books signed.

In between signings the girls danced and played and even made time to reflect on what they liked the most about the fair.

Little K, really was excited when she had her favorite book signed. It was exciting just to see how amazed she was.

 

 

I was excited as well. I was able to pick up a book from a long time publisher of children's books.

 

All in all it was a great weekend for THE LITTLE GREEN HOUSE CHILDCARE!  I can not wait to see what this new week brings!

- Nashima Harvey, Ed.M