WHAT MAMAS, PAPAS AND GRANDPARENTS ARE SAYING
Remember Goldilocks? ..she found life’s adventures not too hot, not too cold, not too big not too small, but ‘just right!’ Just so is Lila with her conscious guidance of Sunshine Garden playgroups where children blossom in the security of the morning rhythms & seasonal festivals, & parents relax & flow, & feel friendships grow.
Lila’s seamless weaving of Mother Nature, Heart Nurture & Human Spirit, creates a garment of Goodness, Gladness & Gratitude for this ‘just right’ foundation for a young child’s imagination, social confidence & creative play. We look forward joyously to Sunshine Garden activities, songs home baked bread every week.
Thank you dear Lila for steadfastly providing your healthy oasis for my numerous grandchildren & myself along with several alumni students from nearby Kamaroi Steiner school, now mothers themselves bringing their young ones, & other like minded young mums, & sometimes dads, from a range of cultural backgrounds. Sunshine Garden culture connects & serves us all in our quest for what’s best for those angelic children in our care.
Joy Day, Steiner educator & happy granny (Sydney , Australia)
Thank you for your constant inspiration. I have started craft again, which I hadn't really done for years, and enjoying it so much (knitted a scarf for Hugo and in process of knitting one for myself, making birthday pressies for friends, felting for Hugo...). Thank you also for all your tips and support you have given me so far. I really appreciate it and find it very helpful.
Sybi and Hugo (Sydney, Australia)
I love the simple beauty and rhythm of Sunshine Garden. Lila's voice and songs lead the children through a routine that is fun and comforting for them. I look forward each week to baking delicious bread, learning crafts and watching my 2 year old grow confident in a healthy, nurturing environment. Thank you very much!
Tami and Oscar (Guilford, CT. USA)
I don't know who looks forward to Sunshine Garden more-- my children or myself. Lila casts a web of joy and wonder through her stories and as she effortlessly guides our morning with her sweet singing voice. It is a gift for the children and mamas alike to play, sing and create each week as we connect with ourselves, each other and our imaginations. Lila fosters a magical, nurturing space that allows little ones to enjoy the simple pleasures of childhood.
No matter what the future holds, my children and I will treasure this Waldorf experience. I am grateful, forever. No matter where I'm coming from or where I'm at, walking into Sunshine Garden always brings the most calming, welcoming, safe feeling. I am deeply grateful to be a part of this community every single week. Truly,
Kristin, Naya, Micah and Ruby (Higganum, CT)
When I first found Sunshine Garden I was really struggling. I was feeling isolated and lonely in motherhood and overwhelmed with a toddler and new baby. You posted for a free trial day on the Guilford Parents Page and now, almost 3 years later, I am so thankful you did. There is undeniable proof of the families you have touched, and the mothers you have shaped and changed with your guiding example. Thank you for holding space for us each and every week. There is no place like this in all the world and I am so lucky to be part of it.
Kim, Norah and James. (Guilford, CT)
Lila's passion for this work is clear, as it is how she lives and raises her own children. Both my son and I have been inspired and love coming to this weekly group. Our time together is filled with wonder and awe for the natural world as we enter into imaginary and creative play, woven around story-telling and song. I have loved witnessing my son gently coming into the rhythm of the class as he starts to play well with the other kids. I see his imaginative play boosted at home as well as his appreciation for nature (pretending to plant seeds, smelling each and every flower). Lila has been particularly helpful in guiding me in a disciplinary approach that is respectful and clear through the use of role modeling, redirecting, empathy and consistent boundaries. Thank you Lila! We are so happy to have found you!
Kristen and Isaac (Guilford, CT)
When our daughter was born, I naturally began reaching back to my own childhood, realising that much of my education in Europe was based on the Waldorf model. With great fondness, I recalled the music and songs, the warmth, the sense of security a regular rhythm brought to my young life. Most of all, I recalled the beauty of sitting with my grandmother as she taught me craft skills, which I managed to carry into my adult life.
Lila's playgroup has brought much of this same magic into my daughter’s life. It is a wonderful environment where her spirit and individuality are recognised and honoured. We have watched her thrive and grow since attending the group.
The respectful and sincere relationships between the children, parents and Lila must also be acknowledged. I feel really privileged to attend her playgroup – a community of parents, teachers and friends who feel so deeply and passionately about a holistic education for children.
Sylwia and Aeryn, (Sydney, Australia)
I have enjoyed accompanying my grandchildren to Sunshine Garden for more than a year now. Sunshine Garden provides an environment and a learning opportunity that I feel is unique in this area. The sessions are orderly, the atmosphere is calm and the children are relaxed and attentive. Transitions from one activity to another proceed with singing and they proceed very harmoniously.
There is a definite order for activities and the children are very comfortable with a routine that they expect. Within the routine there are charming variations.
Each session begins with a sweet and imaginative little play presented by Lila with lovely handmade figures of people and animals along with appropriate props like flowers and trees and honey cakes. I am sure that I enjoy these plays as much as the children do.
The children participate in getting bread ready for baking during every session and then the snack is the bread that they have prepared along with fresh fruit.
There is time for outdoor and indoor free play. Most of the playthings are handmade of natural materials.
Three times during the session there is circle time for singing and movement. At the very end of the session, a tiny handmade doll named Star Baby appears and gives every child a kiss on the forehead or nose. My children would not think of missing that kiss!
So glad we did not miss discovering Sunshine Garden!
Sally, Grandmother to Brynja and Bjorn (Guilford, CT)
Lila's gentle heart and generous spirit magically inspire us to make beautiful things and to be beautiful people. Her storytelling is truly an art. We are blessed to have received such a gift into our lives. Love and thanks,
Sol and Anjelina (Sydney, Australia)
Dear Lila, Thank you for having this playgroup. It really made a difference to our family. Your presence and the calm way you conduct the group was exactly what we wanted for our boys. Love,
Dinesh, Prema, River and Zen (East Haven, CT)
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