Arising from eight years’ worth of intimate and lively conversations on Donna’s yahoo group and then internet forum, this book is unlike any other.

Note: this item is printed on demand. 

Largely based in a Question & Answer format, Donna and her circle of wise and supportive colleagues help parents work their way through a myriad of challenges, joys and questions that confront everyone during their first years of parenting. From what to expect from developmental changes throughout the early years to understanding the root cause of most discipline problems (and how to find creative responses!), the wisdom in this book is a great gift to all parents interested in what a Waldorf perspective can offer during the early years.

This whopping 400 page publication covers all the basics of early childhood–from birth to seven year– offering practical Waldorf-based support from one mother to another. Many voices contributed to this work and there are therefore numerous different approaches to questions of, for instance, potty training, the family bed and creating the “Waldorf home”. Scattered throughout the book are also a number of articles written by Donna on subjects such as childcare and first grade readiness. Donna also prefaces each section with commentary, drawing from her 35+ years’ experience as a Waldorf teacher, youth worker, parent educator and parent.