Consuming Kids: The Commercialization of Childhood

Come see this film and join in a discussion. This screening is free and open to the public and is sponsored by the Arlington/Alexandria chapter of Holistic Moms Network, the Family and Home Network and Arlington Unitarian Cooperative Preschool.
Date: Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Location: Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington, 4444 Arlington Blvd. (Rt. 50 at George Mason Drive), Arlington, VA 22204
RSVP to film (at) familyandhome (dot) org
For more information on the film, see http://www.commercialfreechildhood.org/

Holistic Halloween Discussion Night!

Our first non-meeting member evening! This discussion evening will be on October 22 in Alexandria (near Fairlington) and is open to HMN members (any chapter). If you haven't yet joined but plan to and want to attend, please email holisticmomsarlalex (at) gmail (dot) com.

Here's more info:
Are you a mom feeling haunted by Halloween? Interested in finding ways to make Halloween a little more holistic? Then join the Arlington/Alexandria chapter of HMN for a special discussion night devoted to Halloween. We'll talk about various ideas suggested on the national listserve, and you're also invited to share any of your own.

September Meeting: Craniosacral Therapy

On September 17, we welcomed Nishanka Lahr (NCTMB, LMT), who spoke on the topic of "Craniosacral Therapy: An Alternative Health Care Option for Your Infant or Toddler." Craniosacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle hands-on technique that can address most any emotional or physical condition by supporting the central nervous system.

Nishanka spoke to the concerns of the attendees and even worked on a member and a member's son so we could all see what CST looked like! It was a hands-on and highly personalized meeting! Nishanka explained how she approaches her work with children and how it can benefit them -- and adults! -- in various ways: physically, developmentally, emotionally.

Nishanka's practice is family-focused. She works closely with mothers, infants, and todlers and has been practicing for over 21 years. Her work strives to support each client's innate wisdom. She is certified in CST, Myfascial Release, Somato-Emotional Release and Bio-Energetics. She is trained to work with issues of pediatric sensory integration and has experience with a wide array of conditions, from acute and trauma-related to chronic and complex.

For more information on Craniosacral Therapy, visit The Upledger Institute at http://upledger.com/.

Playgroup at the Park! (and farmer's market)

A few of us met up at the Mason District Park one recent Thursday. We enjoyed shopping at the farmer's market, and our kids enjoyed playing on the playground and hiking in the woods. It was a lovely day to chat and connect!

Fabulous Schooling Options Panel!

Thank you to all the wonderful speakers who came out to share their experiences with different schooling traditions and philosophies at our August meeting, "Schooling Options for the Holistic Family." We had reps from Waldorf, Reggio Emilia, Montessori, and Friends, a homeschooler, a yoga in schools instructor and two parents from Arlington. Thanks to Arlingtonians for a Clean Environment for some great info.

We had a great turnout, lots of helpful info and interesting Q&A.

Thanks to all the speakers and the members who helped out. And to AUMC for hosting!

August Panel on Schooling Options

Join us for a informative evening on Thursday, August 20 for a panel on "Schooling Options for the Holistic Family." We'll have representatives from many traditions, including Waldorf, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Friends and homeschooling and a public school parent or two.

Welcome and intros start at 6:30 p.m., a half-hour earlier than usual. We will get started with the presentations right at 7:00. Space is limited, so arrive early to get a seat! Children are always welcome at meetings, but with so many speakers in such little time, we request that parents be prepared to take a break with vocalizing babes or active toddlers. We were considering offering childcare but have not had enough interest.

Location is the Sunshine Room at the back of the sanctuary at Arlington United Methodist Church, 716 S. Glebe Rd., Arlington, VA 22204.

July Family Potluck

We had a fun first potluck/social meeting in July. Our chapter really knows how to cook! Quinoa salad, roasted red peppers and eggplant, fresh pesto with veggies, rice and beans, banana coconut muffins and more ... everyone ate well! The next potluck will likely be for our December 17 meeting (but stay tuned to the site for updates).