Today I have a guest blogger, Akshata, you can learn more about below! She’s written us a fun post about raising chickens!

Spring is just around the corner, which means that if you’ve played with the idea of raising chickens, the time to start planning is now! Doesn’t the idea of having fresh eggs every morning sound appealing? It sure does to me. Ultimately, raising chickens takes time and effort, but it is an extremely satisfying hobby. Let me address some of the basics about raising chickens, so that you know a little about what to expect:

1. Chickens are Noisy.

Everyone has heard and knows the familiar chicken call. Not everyone has heard them squawk for 10 minutes or more, non-stop and often – but this is what you will have to put up with when you raise chicken. Usually, this happens right after they lay eggs, and their “egg-song” can be very noisy depending on their breed and personality.

2. Chickens Poop a Lot.

You might have heard this one before, but before raising chickens you need to consider the severity of this statement. Chickens poop a lot, and they will poop on everything. Cleaning their coop can be time consuming, and you will have to clean often. The positive is that chicken poop can be put into your compost pile, and will really benefit your soil in a natural manner.

3. Chickens Need Protection.

As poultry, chickens become prey for many other predators. That’s why it’s important to make sure your chickens are well protected. Plain chicken wire can easily be cut through, and so you might need something more advanced depending on the setup of your chicken coop. You could consider hardware cloth, or electrified netting that is especially useful in keeping predators away. If you are raising large chickens and broilers that need to be fenced tightly, electrified netting may be worth considering.

4. Chickens Have Personalities.

Like most other pets, chickens too have personalities. Much like other pets, chickens can be cranky, quiet, active, lazy, friendly and many other things. You will start to notice the differences between your chicken’s personalities, and hopefully this will enhance your entire raising experience.

5. You Will Easily Get Attached to Your Chickens.

Contrary to what most people think, it’s really easy to get attached to your chickens. Even if you are just raising them for those delicious farm fresh eggs, it’s hard not to get attached to the creatures you care for and give attention to daily. It’s important to be aware of your attachments, as these will shape your decisions in terms of your chickens.

6. There are Different Breeds of Chickens.

People usually first buy chickens according to which chicks look “cute” to them. While this is perfectly alright, it’s good to know that there are various breeds of chickens, and different breeds yield different products. Chickens breeds also influence personality. A good resource is Chicken Breeds List, which gives information on not only chicken breeds but also appropriate chicken care.

7. They Won’t Always Lay Eggs When You Expect Them to.

No matter how much research you do, your chickens may not always lay eggs when you most need or expect them to. Jason Price, on The Modern Farmer writes that the best thing to do is to “make sure they have a good, whole grain food with at least 17% protein, water them often, and keep the light on until you go to bed. Hopefully that’ll do the trick”. Once they do lay eggs though, you will gladly agree that they were worth the wait!

8. Egg Production Will Eventually Slow Down.

Chickens don’t lay eggs forever. At some point, their egg production will slow down significantly, and you will have to decide what to do with your chickens. As Depressing as it may be, you need to know what your ultimate goal is in terms of your chickens, so that you can make informed decisions along the way and are ready for what might need to be done when the times comes.

9. Sometimes You Will Have to Deal With the Worst.

When you start raising chickens, it’s almost inevitable that you will have to deal with loss at some point along the way. From getting eaten by your neighbors dog, or falling prey to disease, you might lose one of your chickens in an absolutely heartbreaking tragedy. You’ll find that dealing with your loss may be surprisingly hard, as your chickens have grown to be considered part of the family.

10. Raising Chickens is One of the Most Fulfilling Things Ever!

Considering all the noise, poop, cleaning and all-round care, raising chickens might be starting to sound like a huge burden. I won’t lie – it takes a lot of effort, but ultimately, you will come to adore your chicken family and find that raising them is one of the most fulfilling activities ever, worth every bit of effort you put in. From the excitement of your first egg, to the calming sense gotten from watching them play around in their coop, raising chickens is quite an adventure – one you don’t want to miss out on.

Akshata has a passion for traveling and exploring the world. She loves to write and is interested in entrepreneurship and sustainability.

So, what’s going on with me you ask? Well, first off, I would love to hear about YOU. Get in that comment section! Ok, so me…we are wrapping up our homeschooling year (first grade), and Marcella turned seven which is INSANE. Jude is still my baby, but technically I suppose you would call him a preschooler. I’m in denial, of course.

Oh, and there’s a new way to follow me. I joined Periscope which is a little scary and a little fun and a lot live. In case you haven’t heard of it, it’s an app that allows you to live stream your crazy self out to the world. You guys, you can see me screw up in REAL TIME. My first scope featured me not knowing how to end the broadcast. It’s okay; you can be embarrassed for me. If you follow me over there you’ll be able to figure out pretty quickly what my announcement relates to but I’m sure you’ll pretend to be surprised anyway, right?

Okay, enough of my ramblings. See you soon and comment below with your life update long lost friend!

This post is written as part of the Round Table Discussions with Natural Parent Network volunteers. In an effort to discuss, support, and promote a kinder, more gentle world, we are taking an in depth view of various books. Our current book is Peaceful Parent, Happy Siblings: How to Stop the Fighting and Raise Friends for Life by Dr. Laura Markham, author of Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids: How to Stop Yelling and Start Connecting. We hope you will join us with an open mind and a desire for change and growth.

The fifth chapter of Peaceful Parent, Happy Siblings is titled “When Problem-Solving Fails: Teaching Conflict Resolution”. I learned A LOT from this chapter. It’s advice that really works in a lot of areas of life. It made me feel like a failure as a parent in this regard but instead of defeating me, I am choosing to take this as an opportunity to learn and grow.

I really appreciated the fact that Dr. Markham has a whole section on why fighting is important for relationship skill building. I think, sometimes, people have this idea that all conflict should be avoided at all costs. The cost is sometimes people don’t know how to deal with the inevitable conflicts that life will dish out. She says, “…if ‘peace’ depends on kids being forced to swallow their needs to accommodate siblings on a regular basis, it isn’t good for either child. Children need to develop their voices, learn how to express their needs, and try out strategies to meet their goals.” She does go on to  say that the value in the conflict is the practice it gives to your children to find win-win situations. And this is where we as parents can help.

I’ve dug up some of Dr. Markham’s articles to help you out if you don’t yet have the book. Of course, the book is the best source for all of the great information provided on this topic but this will get you started.

• Teaching Conflict Resolution is Like Teaching Kids to Load the Dishwasher
• How to Stop Siblings Fighting
• Should You Intervene in a Sibling Fight?
• How to Prevent Sibling Fighting
• How Can I Get My Kids to Stop Hitting Each Other?

So, my favorite part of this chapter is how it goes into all the different reasons kids argue and what need they are needing met. Then gives examples of each one and breaks down a good response. There is also a section on empowering kids to stand up to teasing. Really, there probably isn’t a scenario out there she doesn’t cover. It is very thorough!

This post is written as part of the Round Table Discussions with Natural Parent Network volunteers. In an effort to discuss, support, and promote a kinder, more gentle world, we are taking an in depth view of various books. Our current book is Peaceful Parent, Happy Siblings: How to Stop the Fighting and Raise Friends for Life by Dr. Laura Markham, author of Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids: How to Stop Yelling and Start Connecting. We hope you will join us with an open mind and a desire for change and growth.

The second chapter of Peaceful Parent, Happy Siblings is titled “How Peaceful Discipline Supports the Sibling Relationship” and is chock full of information that can transform your parenting if put into practice. I could probably have underlined and highlighted most of the chapter. I couldn’t possibly cover in one blog post each topic touched on so instead I’ll put the subheadings for the chapter here below so you can see how in depth it is.

• Why Punishment and Permissiveness Cause More Sibling Fighting
• Rethinking Discipline
• Setting Empathic Limits
• Rethinking Time-Outs
• Rethinking Rewards
• The Difference Between Consequences and Limits
• What if Empathy Doesn’t Work?
• Preventive Maintenance
• When Your Child is Acting Out: Time-In
• Helping Kids with Big Emotions: Scheduled Meltdowns
• How to Help Each Child with Big Emotions When You Have More Than One Upset Child

Yeah, I can’t cover all that so instead I’m just going to focus on one topic: Preventive Maintenance. This is all about connection which I talked about in my last roundtable post. Dr. Markham describes preventive maintenance as “refilling your children’s love tank and giving them an emotional tune-up on a daily basis, so you don’t end up in the breakdown lane.” With more than one child, the idea of getting one-on-one time with each child sounds a bit daunting, especially the more children you have. I only have 2 and it still seems challenging to me. I homeschool which does mean I get one-on-one time with my daughter and I still nurse my son so that gives us one-on-one times throughout the day and night. But still, is that enough I wonder? Could I/should I be doing more?

Dr. Markham gives these tips for preventive maintenance each day to help each child feel loved and connected to you:

1. Use routines
2. Make empathy your go-to way of relating to you child
3. Daily roughhousing
4. Special time

I can see after reading this chapter, this is an area I should be striving for more of with my daughter especially. She does enjoy “doing school” together but that isn’t really necessarily something special we are doing for just the two of us. I think I’m going to carve out some time each day and ask her what she wants to do, just the two of us.

This post is written as part of the Round Table Discussions with Natural Parent Network volunteers. In an effort to discuss, support, and promote a kinder, more gentle world, we are taking an in depth view of various books. Our current book is Peaceful Parent, Happy Siblings: How to Stop the Fighting and Raise Friends for Life by Dr. Laura Markham, author of Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids: How to Stop Yelling and Start Connecting. We hope you will join us with an open mind and a desire for change and growth.

As a volunteer with Natural Parents Network, I am participating in a book study and would love you to come alongside me and jump right in. Think of it like an online book club but instead of meeting after reading the whole book, we are slowly going through the book together online over a longer period of time.

The book we are reading and talking about is Peaceful Parent, Happy Siblings: How to Stop the Fighting and Raise Friends for Life. It is written by the amazing Dr. Laura Markham who also wrote Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids: How to Stop Yelling and Start Connecting. Dr. Markham is also behind the genius site Aha Parenting which is a go-to for me in this crazy parenting journey. This week we are discussing the introduction and first chapter of Peaceful Parent, Happy Siblings.

If you have more than one child you know how it can be at times. Honestly, most of the time it is a beautiful thing watching these two little people (I have an almost 3 year old and a 6 year old) navigating life together. It makes your heart swell to watch them interact, share experiences and love each other. But, of course, they are also two tiny humans with low impulse control. In our house, there are certainly times of, “She hit me!” and, “He destroyed my toy!” I’m excited to dive into this book to help with navigating these times so there can be more of the good times than bad.

The first chapter is like a mini version of Markham’s first book, Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids. Since I haven’t read that one yet (but have had it on my wishlist since it came out!), I was delighted to read this first chapter. I appreciated the reminder of how important it is for parents to regulate our own emotions. This is HARD work and the author acknowledges that, but it’s so very important! I honestly think this is something I will work on my whole life. If mom or dad is throwing a temper tantrum, that is not going to be helpful for anyone. My kids are always watching me, and it is truly sad to see my daughter acting like ME when she throws a fit. I know that is my doing because I didn’t teach her and model for her how to regulate her emotions.

Connection is also discussed as being a big priority. When our kids feel connected to us, they will feel more connected to each other. If you have kids, you know very well that you can’t make them do anything. That can be infuriating at times because you just want to be able to control them but if we really think about it, we don’t want that. We want them to WANT to listen and connection is that motivation for them. Aren’t you happy to work for a boss you have a good relationship with instead of one you are scared of or don’t respect because of how unpleasant they are to you? It’s easy to see how much our kids want to just be with us and spend time with us and doing so creates emotionally generous human beings as well.

I really liked the section on the trouble with punishments a lot. As Markham says, “The other problem with punishment is that if the child isn’t actually choosing the behavior, he doesn’t ‘own’ it. He isn’t intrinsically motivated to ‘do what’s right.’ ” Isn’t the real goal of parenting for everyone for our kids to do the right thing because it’s the right thing? When they leave home, we won’t be there to tell them how to act or what to do anymore. They will have to choose the right thing on their own. Limit setting is important, of course, to give the framework to learn but if they have a close, connected relationship not based on fear they will be more inclined to work within the framework you have set up and grow up to be intrinsically motivated to do what’s right even when you are no longer around to guide their decisions.

The second half of the chapter deals with the skills you need to work on to become a more peaceful parent. I have been working on this for awhile now and can see that practicing is actually starting to make a difference. It isn’t something that just magically happens overnight. Like I said above, I do think it is something you continually work on and strive toward. The good news is it is helpful in all your relationships, not just with your kids. Just noticing when you start to feel upset is probably the first step. This is the point where you can do something about it before it gets out of control. Getting enough rest (hard as a parent, I know!) and making sure you’re getting proper nutrition and can take some breaks (I know, now I’m asking too much ;)) will go a long way to being able to cope when your stress meter starts rising.

Probably the biggest thing I have used and seen work in our household is something I learned when my daughter was a 2 year old. My daughter now even does this with my son when he is upset. Talking to your child about what it is that is upsetting them and acknowledging it is huge for a child. You are saying, “I hear you!” and that sometimes is all they need to settle down. Yes, sometimes it takes a little more talking to and they still need to cry (which we shouldn’t try to squash immediately, crying is good for them, too!) but you can see that look in their eyes, that connection when you really are telling them you understand that it is hard. This doesn’t mean you give in to what it is they are wanting if it is not something they can have/do, but you can tell them you understand that is what they are wanting and you know how much they do.

Overall I enjoyed this first chapter and am looking forward to delving in deeper and learning more about the sibling relationship! The rest of the posts from the other volunteers will be linked up in a post over at Natural Parents Network on June 26. Next time we’ll be discussing chapter 2 if you want to join in!

With cute spring clothes on my mind, check out this ADORABLE line up collaboration from Lucy Locket Creations and Blessings in Raindrops. They have you set with matching sets for your little ones. I mean, you guys, there are even matching outfits for brothers and sisters! Here is this little whale duo below.

These spring clothing sets for kids are going fast so if you want to grab one and bring some fun spring warmth into your home and onto your tiny person, hop on over (spring pun!) and use discount code JULIA for 10% off! Woohoo, right?!! But, really, do hurry. It expires March 20, 2015. Some of these are limited edition so when they are gone, they are truly gone.

And, just because you need to see more sweetness…

Disclosure: I received no compensation for this post. I have purchased from Lucy Locket Creations in the past but not specifically for the purpose of this review.

Monday
Peanut Butter Banana Protein Pancakes (I never made these last week.)
Tuna Salad Sandwiches with Carrots and Apples
Crockpot Balsamic Chicken (We never made this last week either.)

Tuesday
Peanut Butter Banana Protein Pancakes
Eat Out with Friends
Baby Peas and Cheese Frittata

Wednesday
Breakfast Casserole
Tostadas
French Dip Sandwiches with Southern Cole Slaw

Thursday
Breakfast Casserole
Peanut Butter Sandwiches with Carrots
Spaghetti Squash Bake with Salad and Homemade Dressing

Friday
Greek Yogurt with Raw Local Honey
Homemade Mac and Cheese with Peas
Eat Out with Friends for Josh’s Birthday

Tuesday
Lara Bars
Peanut Butter Sandwich, Cheese and Grapes (picnic at the park)
Eat Out at event we are attending

Wednesday
Peanut Butter Banana Protein Pancakes
Bean & Cheese Burritos with Carrots
Veggie Omelets with Bacon & Toast

Thursday
Yogurt with Raw Local Honey
Eat Out or Leftovers
Crockpot Balsamic Chicken

Friday
Peanut Butter Banana Protein Pancakes
Bean & Cheese Burritos with Carrots
Cheese Enchiladas with Spanish Rice

Are you part of a CSA?

Also, I thought I’d add that I don’t generally use ingredients exactly as called for in recipes. For instance, I NEVER use reduced fat, low fat, fat free ANYTHING. For one thing, they taste disgusting. For another thing, full fat is good for you. No really. I was going to link to some articles, but just Google it. You’ll find a ton of stuff. There are books, too. Also, I don’t use processed anything generally. I make my own versions (like cream of soups, pasta sauce, etc.) I do still buy cheese, milk, butter, sour cream and yogurt and some bread products because I’m not there yet (but would like to be!) Occasionally, crackers and tortilla chips sneak in, too (how do that happen? ;)) but we do try to avoid processed foods as much as possible. We don’t use vegetable oils, either. Those are BAD news. We use coconut oil and olive oil. Olive oil is not good in high heat so I don’t cook with olive oil for the most part but coconut oil can literally take the heat. And, of course, I make substitutions for personal family preferences and to make use of what’s on hand.

Okay, that was a long intro. Here’s what we are eating for the week. Maybe it will inspire your menu this week, or perhaps not. Either way, I find it helpful for me and hope your eats this week are delicious!

Saturday
Bacon, Poached Eggs and Strawberries
Eat Out
Grilled Chorizo Stuffed Poblano Peppers with Black Bean Corn Salad and Chips & Salsa (We ended up going out last Friday instead of having this.)

Sunday
Eggs and Strawberries (We bought a gallon last week and they are phenomenal so strawberries are heavy on the menu this week.)
Nachos (made from last night’s leftovers)
Pizza Soup

Monday
Strawberry Protein Pancakes
Leftover Pizza Soup
Basil Garlic Pork Chops with Sweet Potatoes and Salad

Tuesday
Leftover Strawberry Protein Pancakes
Popcorn, Green Smoothies and Carrots
Roast Chicken with Veggies and Rice

Wednesday
Cottage Cheese Breakfast Parfait
Cheese Crackers, Zucchini Orange Muffins and Salami (Picnic Lunch at the Park)
Salmon with Roasted Brussel Sprouts

Thursday
Cottage Cheese Breakfast Parfait
Salami and Cheese Roll Ups and Carrots
Deconstructed Cabbage Rolls

Friday
Cottage Cheese Breakfast Parfait
Leftovers
Eat Out