The Schouweiler Family Page

About My Family

I'm a freelance arts editor/writer, my husband's a lawyer working as an affordable housing consultant. We have a little boy, sweet-tempered and 100% toddler.

What are your children's names and birth dates?

George, age two-and-a-half

Are you considering having more?

Yes, we'd like one more.

How would you describe your parenting philosophy?

We aim to be consistent about setting boundaries and routines, but are trying to stay pretty relaxed about taking the particulars on a case-by-case basis. So far, we're fans of a toolkit approach to parenting--we like the sensitive approach he takes, but if Dr. Sears' brand of attachment parenting starts to feel onerous, it's time to pull out some T. Berry Brazleton or even Dr. Spock for some old school balance. Mostly, we're trying really hard to trust our instincts and that we know our own kid. Easier said than done sometimes, though.

What's your favorite parenting book (if any)?

It's not quite a parenting book per se, but I think about Peggy Orenstein's "Flux" all the time. Her nuanced, compassionate reflections on the (surprisingly retro) pitfalls of modern family life totally speak to me still.

What are your family’s favorite books and toys?

George loves novelty keyring flashlights, his doll-size stroller, and straws.

What are your family’s favorite TV shows or movies?

(sigh) Teletubbies, Super Why, Hopla, and Pocoyo

What are your family's favorite foods?

cheese delivered melty or cold, pasta, nutella (whose isn't?), bread and cream cheese, bananas, pears, quesadillas, goldfish crackers and fig newmans

What are your family's favorite places to hang out?

We love the Minnesota Children's Museum, our neighborhood branch of the library, and the nearest playground.

What one adjective would you choose to describe your household?

Laid back and routinized

Describe your most humbling parenting moment.

The first time George really, truly pissed me off--just for being a baby. The fury flared and passed quickly, but I was so startled that I could get that mad at him, just for being a toddler.

Who are you looking to meet on The Playground?

Fellow travelers on the parenthood path