whole family rhythms - an autumn/winter giveaway

shaved beeswax / beeswax candles / cinnamon playdough / little hands and a wax turtle (walnut shell)

I started reading Meagan's This Whole Family in 2008, shortly after she birthed her son, North. Since then I've followed her parenting journey with interest; I've been inspired and informed by her regular and heartfelt posts. 

As she navigated the first few years of parenthood she found comfort in the concept of rhythm and embraced the teachings of Steiner education and gentle/attachment parenting. What makes Meagan unique is her ability to express her experience and opinion in a warm, inclusive manner - I've returned to her blog time and time again when I needed a little guidance in regards to family rhythm in my own home. It goes without saying that I was delighted when she shared her latest project with me:

Whole Family Rhythms are a series of monthly and seasonal guides created and designed to help you maintain a steady rhythm in your home. The rhythms include unstructured, child-led play both outdoors and indoors; early childhood stories and finger puppet plays; weekly bushwalking themes; daily art, handwork or creative projects; holistic baking and cooking recipes for the whole family as well as weekly caregiver meditations and projects for families of all ages and sizes.

When I asked Meagan why she wholeheartedly believes in the importance of rhythm in the home, she responded with words that have stayed with me ever since: "I am ever-inspired by my little ones and the way they live in each moment with very little regard for the past or future. It's so very difficult for us as parents to protect the magic and wonder of childhood. Modern and Western ways-of-life create schedules, endless to-do lists and a constant sense of multitasking that often feels unavoidable. My hope is that being very clear about our family values and then translating these into strong rhythms for my children, I am also creating a strong rhythm for myself - empowering me to slow down and to be present, calm and authentic for my children."

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The winner of this giveaway will receive:

The Whole Family Rhythms Autumn and Winter Guides as well as one of each for a friend (valued at $116).

To enter all you need to do is leave a comment telling us about your very favourite winter pastime. Meagan and I will choose the winner together based on the best little story you can tell (no essay required!). Winner will be announced in the post at 9pm on Wednesday 29th May.

You can read more about the seasonal guides over here, pop into Meagan's blog here, or follow her on facebook (she always shares fascinating articles/films/recipes). 

Best of luck!

This giveaway is now closed. The winner is #55 elflyn - congratulations, your Sunday mornings in winter sound divine! x