How can simple activities help us connect more fully with our children and live more happily together? What types of games will encourage children to be kind to others? How can crafting and outdoor play build respect for the natural world? The Connected Family Handbook offers empowering advice and practical activities to answer these questions and many more. Experienced parenting coach and popular author Lou Harvey-Zahra and successful parenting blogger Danielle Harbison have created a unique and inspiring book for carers of toddlers to ten year olds. Each of the ten chapters tackles an important theme for families -- Home, Kindness, Mealtimes, Move, Warmth, Teamwork, Adventure, Nature, Wonder and Celebration -- and suggests ways to nurture these qualities in children. Every chapter is illustrated with beautiful photographs and includes easy crafts and fun recipes to create with children, stories and verses to share, as well as tips on creative discipline, positive play and establishing family rhythms and routines. Engage with NATURE by crafting toys from sticks, nurture WONDER by sharing a story about toadstools and fairy folk, encourage KINDNESS by creating a toy medical kit and make MEALTIMES fun with frozen fruit pizza. All of Lou and Danielle's ideas and advice come from a background of holistic child development, and celebrate values including eco-friendly living, connected family life, healthy and fun food choices and the importance of imaginative play.
Lou Harvey-Zahra is an experienced parenting coach and respected author of holistic parenting books. She grew up and did her teacher training in England before moving to Australia where she has taught in numerous kindergarten, primary, special needs and Steiner-Waldorf school settings for over 25 years. Lou runs conscious parenting workshops, online parenting courses, and presents to parents and teachers across the globe. Her books include Growing Children, Thriving Children; Happy Child, Happy Home; Creative Discipline, Connected Family; and Through the Rainbow. She is a mother to two wonderful grown-up children and currently lives in Melbourne, Australia. Danielle Harbison is an experienced teacher, homeschool mum and successful parenting blogger. She has been a teacher, in primary schools, for ten years and is trained in Rudolf Steiner education and positive behaviour for learning. Her blog and Instagram offer inspiration for homeschooling families. Danielle has a deep love of crafts, nature and photography. She is the mother of four young children and lives in Sydney, Australia.
Praise for Growing Children, Thriving Children: 'I love Lou Harvey-Zahra's advice, which is fun but practical, and rooted in love.' -- Saffia Farr, JUNO Magazine 'Anyone who has heard of Lou Harvey-Zahra's wonderful talks, or read any of her previous books, will be pleased to see her font of wisdom can be applied to the older children too. It is so helpful to read her insightful advice, practical and heart-warming ideas and creative discipline tips ... A practical, easy to read and down to earth guide.' -- Kindling, The Journal for Steiner Waldorf Early Childhood Care and Education Praise for Creative Discipline, Connected Family: 'At last, a discipline book that does not mention time out, rewards and punishments! I have finished the book and enjoyed every page.' -- Caroline Anderson (child psychologist, family therapist and parent) 'Creative Discipline, Connected Family will lighten the load and enlighten the mind. I recommend Lou's books for every parent's bookshelf.' -- John Allison (Steiner-Waldorf teacher, educational and parenting consultant, parent) 'Lou's Creative Discipline, Connected Family is filled with such pearls of wisdom, I have read it from cover to cover many times. I find that each time I have a challenging situation or I'm asked for advice, one of Lou's pearls easily and quickly jumps to mind! I own two copies so I can always lend one out to parents.' -- Melissa Baker (Steiner-Waldorf early years teacher) Praise for Happy Child, Happy Home: 'I really like the style of writing from Lou Harvey-Zahra, which is light, sometimes funny, down to earth and full of very practical examples... It is an uplifting guide!' -- Kindling, The Journal for Steiner Waldorf Early Childhood Care and Education 'This is a fantastic parenting book, just for the sheer fact that it aims to encourage happiness and positivity in children and families.' -- Families Online
