As a fairly new parent (yes, I still consider myself a neophyte, despite the fact that my baby is turning two in just three short months), the best advice I've received hasn't come from my daughter's pediatrician or the child behavior specialists writing for the popular parenting magazines or even from the cashier at Target.It's come from my friends, both blogfriends and "real life" friends, who are in the parenting trenches with me every single day, and who know from experience what it's like to experience the joys and the heartache of raising kids.
Over the past year, I've had the true pleasure of developing a friendship with Melissa Garrett. Some of you read her blog already and know all about her current project. But in case you don't, she's started a parenting website called Root and Sprout. Here's a brief summary of its mission:
"Here at Root & Sprout, we believe the connection between parent and child is what's most important, and it's a relationship that grows through mutual love and respect. With gentle, hands-on parenting, we can give our children the necessary roots to help them sprout."
To help her project succeed, Melissa is currently seeking article submissions. You do not have to be a professional writer to subject an article; in fact, most of her current contributors aren't. You simply need to possess a willingness to share your tips and tricks from the trenches- the fail-safe solution you used to get your colicky baby to sleep through the night, how your family works to protect the environment, or even your annual Father's Day tradition.
Yours truly has an article on making homemade baby food appearing in the June 1st issue.
You can read more about the mission of Root and Sprout as well as the submission guidelines here.
Melissa has just announced that anyone who submits an article for a future installment will be eligible to win $25, either as cold, hard cash transferred to your Pay Pal account or in the form of a Barnes and Noble or Borders gift card.
To enhance the upcoming installments of Root and Sprout, Melissa would love to have an article highlighting tips for living frugally. She's also in need of a review of a product, book, CD, DVD, or just about anything else you can imagine. (Speaking of which, I just read a great book review that could be turned into an article for submission. Hint. Hint.) Do you have any tips for healthy living or advice about exercising? You could easily turn these into an article for Root and Sprout too.
Each of you has something unique and valuable to share with the growing Root and Sprout readership. Why not try your hand at writing an article?
Thank you for helping to spread the word about Root & Sprout, Kristi! Your support, as well as the support I've received from loyal readers and lurkers alike, has been wonderful! :-)
Sounds like a neat site. I'll have to check it out. Thanks for sharing.
I'll go take a look!
I am very flattered...and a tad intimidated. I'm not even sure I know how to write like a grown up anymore!
I can't wait to check out Melissa's site. I can't wait to read your article! I think making homemade baby food is the best--so much more in your control.
The best advice I get is also from sharing with friends--wherever those friends may be. Just like recipes, advice is always better when it's "tried and true"!