Beginning Sept. 21, 2010:

Momology: The Art & Science of Mothering

The Art of Mothering - Painting the Future

Ok, not to freak you out here or anything, but basically everything you do with your kids shapes them. This is not a bad thing, even when you think your brush strokes look more like a painting by Pollock than Monet. (Get ready for some mixed metaphors.)

When a sculptor begins with a block of marble, they visualize the finished piece before they pick up a tool. Once they start chiselling away what doesn't belong, they make adjustments to their final vision according to what the marble wants to become.

This is what you're doing with your kids: they come to you with their own personalities, gifts and challenges, and you make small changes every day. The good news is that one unwanted brush stroke can be manipulated into the larger picture - or covered up completely.

These brush strokes aren't just about art, though. They combine every day with your scientist-mom side to contribute to your growth as a mom.

The Science of Mothering - Mother, PhD

There are plenty of "Mothering Expert PhD's" out there that can tell you precisely how you should mother your kids. And many of them have really good information.

We've found, though, that the person who knows best how to mother your kids is, well, you! (Your Circle is a close second, mainly because they know and love you and your kids. But this section is about you.)

So here's your chance to share all that information you've stored in your mommy-brain about diaper choices, time-outs, taking time for yourself, when to start solid foods, how to choose a preschool ... you get the picture.

The fun part of discovering who you are as a mom is blending your scientific side with your artistic side in order to become the best mom possible.

"Even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast."
(Psalm 139:10)