S2 E4 The Importance of Play for the Young Child (and their parents:)

Today my guest is Sarah Baldwin. Sarah’s whole life changed in an instant when she gave birth for the first time in 1992. Soon she realized that children were meant to be her life's work. Prior to that, she had been pursuing a career as an actress, but the moment her son Harper was born, she experienced the profound spiritual transformation that comes when, suddenly, one puts another’s needs ahead of one’s own. She discovered my incredible love for children. Soon afterward, she discovered Waldorf education, to which she felt drawn like a moth to a flame. She enrolled in Waldorf teacher training while he son was still in preschool and his brother  was just a baby. Being in a Waldorf kindergarten felt like a natural progression for her (with its emphasis on storytelling, singing and puppetry) and not as much like a career change from acting. Educating young children gave her a sense of purpose and felt like the work she was born to do. After 15 years of working with young children in the classroom, and with her two boys now grown, she made another big life transition. As the owner of Bella Luna Toys, she is excited to share her experience and knowledge of children, play and Waldorf toys in a new way.  She looks forward to continuing her mission to support parents and families, as well as to continue offering the beautiful, natural playthings that have been available online at Bella Luna Toys since 2002.   To find out more about BLT go to https://www.bellalunatoys.com and for daily inspiration follow them on IG https://www.instagram.com/bellalunatoys/  Order Sarah’s book here: https://www.amazon.com/Nurturing-Children-Families-Program-Waldorf/dp/0972223835     To find out more about  all things Joyful Beginnings go to: https://www.joyful-beginnings.org And to follow them on Instagram click here  https://www.instagram.com/joyful_beginnings/   The website is in the works as you read this, so stay in close touch as we create this bountiful online resource, just for you!!     I have so much gratitude for everyone who has been listening to the Joyfull Parenting Podcast and joining the community of supporters at https://www.patreon.com/user?u=40232525 !   If you haven’t already,  please subscribe to the podcast. It’s also super duper helpful to me if you rate it, review it and share it with others!    If you are looking  to work with me one-on-one as your parenting/caregiving coach you can do so  by clicking on this link with  https://www.patreon.com/user?u=40232525. You can also find me on Facebook and IG @joyfullparenting