Seven Times the Sun: Guiding Your Child Through the Rhythms of the Day (Paperback)

by Shea Darian (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
A one-of-a-kind book--full of ideas, reflections, and practical advice offering a fresh view of daily life in the home and family. Weaving songs, stories, family rituals, and verses throughout, mother and educator Shea Darian shows how to bring joy to such daily events as mealtimes, going to bed, chores, naps, and playtime. A practical, creative, and much-needed resource for child-rearing in the '90s. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 221 pages
• Publisher: Gilead Press; 2 edition (November 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0967571308
• ISBN-13: 978-0967571300
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 6.8 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #77,286 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

84 of 85 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars great resource of material, December 30, 2000

By	christinemm - The Thinking Mother (Connecticut, United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

This book is a resource of rituals for parents to help guide their children through the rhythms of the day. This is a book inspired by the works of Rudolph Steiner (called Anthrosophy) and the Waldorf Education method that he created. This book is recommended for parents of Waldorf students. Those homeschooling with a Waldorf-inspired flavor will definitely be interested in this book. There are Anthrosophical statements peppered throughout the book that are not explained at all. Those not interested in Anthrosophy can just ignore these statements and use the various songs, verses, etc.

The book is very well organized by general theme. This book is about rhythm in daily life, so the topics are: waking up, mealtime, playtime, work, quiet time, healing from injury, bedtime, and weekend family time. Special chapters for parents only are "personal renewal" and parents as peacemakers. A long appendix offers resources for music, verses, and stories. Every section is organized by the following topics: general discussion about the author's reflections, simple rituals, insights, songs, a listing of pertinent stories in various books, and an actual story to tell (text of story written out). The songs include sheet music and all the notations so that an instrument may be played along as it is sung. Music is in the pentatonic scale as recommended by Rudolph Steiner. Many of the songs and verses were written by the author.

What impressed me most about this book was that it is so well organized and contains so many topics. This is a wonderful jumping off point for beginning to celebrate rhythm and rituals into normal daily life with our children. There is enough material here for the parent to design their own circle time. Another bonus is the personal insight and opinion that Ms. Darian includes. Unlike other books on the market, this is not just a listing of verses and songs. I highly recommend this for any Waldorf parent who wants to add some ritual into their day, or for any homeschooler wanting the same.

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I wish I had this book when my children were little!, December 12, 2001

By	Rune reader "runewright" (AZ USA) - See all my reviews

I purchased this book to use with the children in my preschool story-time groups.Though this is not the purpose for which it was intended, I have found it useful not only to use with children, but to reach my own "inner child".

It has excellent ideas to incorporate into family routines, to build family rituals and establish your home as a safe haven for all family members. It includes songs, poetry, stories and parental suggestions for use thoughout the day, from waking your child gently in the morning to putting him gently to bed at night.

I would like to think that parents are nurturing their children in the manner suggested by Ms.Darian--it would certainly be a healthier environment than the isolated rush to maturity that seems to be the norm for many children.

24 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Unique and informative, June 19, 2003

By	Rebecca Moore (Turlock, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This book changed my life!
Establishing rituals with my child was difficult and I lacked the creativity to aid in making our difficult "transitional" times more peaceful. Seven Times The Sun helped me not only with their recommendations but it fostered my own creativity on how to modify particular "ideas" that fit our lifestyle.
I don't think this book is for everyone, but if you have an open mind and are not afraid to try new and different strategies to enrich your children...buy this book. This book opened me up to creating rituals and making the most out of everyday situations....and cherishing each and every moment with my child. It opened up an even greater spirituality than what we had prior!
Peace