Sienna Bransky
Sienna is a born and raised Flagstaff local and mama of two. She graduated from NAU with an BA in environmental studies. She has been a special education teacher, river guide, and circus performer. When not chasing kids around the mountains she like to be huddled in coffee shops with good books or a creative writing project. Her fiction publications can be found in Waxwing and The Tunnels.
Cultures are Not Costumes: How to Avoid cultural Appropriation this Halloween
Every Halloween season there is a fresh new controversy over what is or isn't an appropriate costume. What is cultural appropriation? It's complex and confusing, to say the least.
Let's start with a definition:
Wikipedia says...
Diversify your kid’s bookshelf
I've posted another piece here about classic children's books that are actually racist. Today I'm listing some positive alternative options to add diversity to your kids' bookshelves. Reading to children is a powerful tool...
“Type Two Fun” the crossover between adventure and motherhood
Type Two Fun? Outdoor Adventure lingo...
The first time I heard the phrase "Type 2 fun" I had just repelled into a pool of stagnant smelly water at the bottom of a slot canyon. This...
Exploring Northern Arizona with Kids: Visiting Flagstaff
Traveling to Flagstaff with Kids
As a born and raised Flagstaff local I'm often asked about things to do/ places to stay in Flagstaff, here's my guide.
Lodging/Camping
Between April and October there is plenty of cheap/free...
Many Classic Children’s Books are Actually Racist
Many classics are racist, should we read them anyway?
Reading to children is arguably one of the best ways to set them up for success but many classic children's books are racist. Should we continue...
Popular Kids Books That Are Actually Sexist
My three-year-old is an avid bookworm, and as I have been sharing my childhood favorites with her, I have been shocked to discover how many have prevalent sexist themes.
Sexism in Popular Children's Books
Amelia Bedelia
I...
Don’t Assume Your Kid is Straight: Talking About LGBTQ+ Pride
June is pride month, with rainbows everywhere celebrating the diversity of the LGBTQ+ community, so here is a compilation of resources for facilitating family friendly conversations on LGBTQ+ themes.
LGBTQ+ What?
LGBTQ is the initialism that...
Flagstaff’s new recycling policy: how to reduce your plastic waste
Flagstaff's recycling policy changed recently (as did the policies of many other US Cities). Are you still filling your recycling bin with plastic? You might be surprised at how limited our new policy is. Up...
Six Weeks Postpartum and I Feel Thin
Postpartum with my second baby
In the last three years, I’ve gained 40 pounds, lost 40 pounds, then gained 50 and lost 20. I am 30 pounds heavier than my "pre-baby weight," up four sizes...
Understanding Food Labels: For the Health of Your Family and the Planet
Lately, I feel like I'd need to get a Ph.D. to understand the labels on my food. Grocery store jargon has gotten out of control. What does any of it actually mean? And how...
Why Arizona Teachers Are Walking Out
Arizona teachers voted 78% in favor of walking out, why? Arizona ranks 49th in education funding. The walkout started on Thursday, April 26th, as demands for increased funding weren't met. Here's what you need...
Tips for Smoother Co-Parenting, Even When you are Married
Co-parenting typically refers to parents who are raising a child together despite being divorced or separated. But even if you are married, alternating childcare responsibilities can feel like you are parenting separately. Most days my...
Parenting and Media: Our Screen Time Compromise
Screen Time and Toddlers
For the first few years of my childhood there were no screens in our apartment. Literally not a single screen. The telephone didn't even have caller ID, and I'm a young...