Welcome...

Respecting babies means we treat them with as much thoughtfulness as we would our grandmother, while lovingly taking into account their uniquely vulnerable stage of development. I’m so happy you have stopped by to see how I can support you. My work is about sensitively inspiring others to relax, enjoy the time they spend with infants and young children, and trust themselves. I want to accompany you on your journey to develop your relationships with the young children in your life.

Books & Publications

Respecting Babies: A Guide to Educaring for Parents and Professionals

Respecting Babies: A Guide to Educaring for Parents and Professionals (2019) is a unique guidebook, designed to provide theoretical and practical perspective for those who care for infants and toddlers, whether parent, medical professional, educator, or early interventionist. Easy-to-read and engaging, this summary of the Educaring® Approach introduced by Magda Gerber, founder of Resources for Infant Educarers (RIE), highlights the evolution and key elements of this integrated, multilayered approach and describes how to support babies and toddlers in becoming confident, joyful explorers and caring, connected people. The second edition is updated to reflect the latest science and impacts of the digital age and is richly illustrated with stories and examples from the author’s vast experience.

“Steeped in a rich tradition of early childhood education and recent advances in developmental neuroscience Ruth Anne Hammond offers an elegant, practical, and compelling portrait of specifically how parental respect and love in the earliest stages of life shapes an indelible and enduring imprint on the core of the human personality.”

“Everyone who will ever encounter a young child should read this book! With verve and compassion and finely drawn examples, Ruth Anne Hammond reveals the wisdom of Magda Gerber’s RIE Approach. These insights encourage us to honor children’s dignity and spirit with caring and support. Respecting children means staying out of the way as they find unique pathways toward self-fulfillment. Readers will thank Gerber and Hammond for their guidance in how to create a happier and more flourishing society, one baby at a time!”

“What an idea—practicing courtesy with babies! ‘Professional baby watcher’ Ruth Anne Hammond explains how and why, in this clear, warm, and knowledgeable how-to guide for parents and educarers of very young children. It’s partner-dancing, Hammond explains, as baby and grown-up learn to follow each other’s cues and find joy in their relationship. And it provides a strong base for developing the trust and curiosity, language and literacy, and social–emotional skills that children will need all their lives.”

“Ruth Anne Hammond has captured Magda Gerber’s unique voice…. Respectfulness as a central perspective through which to view these caring relationships is richly and lovingly illustrated. Her book is a delight, and there is much to be learned and enjoyed by anyone who cares for and about young children from her thoughtful and inspiring work.”

My Mission

My goal is to inspire others caring for babies and young children to see them with eyes of wonder. I offer a comprehensive perspective, drawing upon everything I have learned from my studies of Human Development, RIE®, affective neuroscience and the Anti-Bias Curriculum, plus my years of experience as an educator and parent. Whether you are a parent or professional, I am ready to connect with you to make your life with children more peaceful and enjoyable.

Books & Publications

The success of my first book, Respecting Babies: A New Look at Magda Gerber’s RIE Approach (2009), which is easy to read for weary parents but has been used in college early childhood education courses, inspired the publisher, Zero to Three, to commission a new expanded edition, Respecting Babies: A Guide to Educaring for Parents and Professionals 2nd Edition (2019).

Professional Development

Since 1996 I have been teaching, speaking and training adults in college, childcare and RIE® settings in respectful ways to work with children 0-3 and their families. My special expertise is in the integration of neuroscience, the Educaring® Approach and Anti-Bias Education.

Parent Education

Since 1993 I have been helping parents see their infants and toddlers as capable explorers and to care with patience and compassion, unburdening themselves of unnecessary worry, so that they can peacefully enjoy the journey.

The ideas that I have learnt during these 3 days will definitely become guiding principles for me as a leader and I will share with my colleagues. Your enthusiasm and positive experiences have motivated me to another level of professional life-long skills that will stay with me forever."

"I want to thank you for creating such a nurturing class. It was unlike any other experience I have had in a learning environment. It was definitely worth waking up at 4:30 a.m., 3 - 4 hour commutes, and the 14 hour days. I will definitely be recommending this...."

"Thank you for a most stimulating and thought-provoking 2 weeks. It’s been a joy and a thrill to get to [study] with you, and truly special that I’ve had a chance to get to know you…. Thank you for sharing your wisdom, passion and humor with us all."

"…Your vast amount of knowledge as well as your teaching style have set a standard for me and I have tapped into that experience often since then. Thank you for all you shared with me and opening new vistas – interpersonal neurobiology, anyone? – for me to explore."

"…Thank you for all that you do to be an example of balance and self-respect, self-care and boundaries…"

"Thank you for all the wonderful inputs you have shared in class. I learned so much from you."

"Thank you for creating such a peaceful and non-judgmental space for us flailing new parents to occupy together. Your wisdom and guidance has been invaluable as we navigate this crazy path of parenthood. It really was the most relaxing hour and a half of my week and so full of joy! The world is blessed to have you guiding us parents as we guide our children. I’ll definitely be back with baby #2."

"We feel very grateful that we got to know you. Your experise along with your kindness has been very instrumental in L.’s development... not to mention our development as his parents. Thank you very much."

"Thank you for such a meaningful and inspirational RIE experience. Your kindness, wisdom and insight will stay with me for many years to come. I have learned much from these weekly sessions and I know that I am a better parent from it. C. and I will miss you."

For Parents
For Professionals

Classes & Consultations

RIE® Parent-Infant/ Toddler Guidance™ Classes in Pasadena, CA

Wouldn’t you love a beautiful, safe space to bring all of your questions, hopes and dreams about raising your baby or toddler? Certified RIE® Parent-Infant Guidance™ classes encourage babies to be attentive, active, exploring and aware of self and others, to be authentic and responsible from an early age, while parents become more confident in their ability to support their children’s development. Small groups of parents with babies of similar age/stage come together weekly in a rich but relaxing environment to enjoy the infants’ unfolding development and play, forming communities that are meant to remain together at least until the youngest turns two. To learn more, click here.

Private Consultations

When you trust your own deep wisdom, you intuitively tune in to what your child needs, and care accordingly. Through the coaching dialogue, Ruth Anne helps parents build confidence in their own capability to read their children’s cues and meet their needs. And when you are clear about your own needs and goals, you will feel confident to create family balance, loving your child as you love yourself.

Whether your issue is setting up the nursery, managing relatives with different parenting styles, choosing childcare, sleep disruptions, setting limits, sibling relationships, or developmental questions, often just a new perspective, which Ruth Anne can help you find, will make your load lighter and your heart more patient.

If you have questions about your child’s development or behavior, and would like professional, confidential guidance, in-person, phone or Skype sessions can be arranged. Fee for the first one-hour session is $150 And $75 for each half-hour thereafter, to be paid in advance via PayPal.

RIE® FOUNDATIONS: THEORY AND OBSERVATION™

The RIE® Foundations: Theory and Observation™ course is offered to all adults without prerequisites and each student is mentored according to his or her goals and background. Designed for parents and professionals who want to develop and deepen their understanding of RIE’s Educaring® Approach to infant development and care and enhance their capability as well as their joy and wonder in raising their children. To learn more click here.

Professional Development and Program Support

By providing your staff with personalized professional development, you convey your intention to help each member of your team meet their potential as they grow in confidence, patience and compassion. Ruth Anne will be happy to tailor a training specific to your goals, whether with a half, full or multiple day workshop, or a full RIE® Foundations course (see below). She has worked with many programs to bring the Educaring® Approach into the lives of children both in the US and abroad on a range of topics such as Building Attachment, Self-Regulation, Compassionate Discipline, Setting the Stage for Play & Learning, Foundations of Educaring® and more.

Speaking

Ruth Anne has spoken at almost 50 conferences, keynoting a number of them in the US and abroad. She is a leading expert in the field of infant and toddler care and education, and interpreting the neuroscience of Attachment for parents and early care professionals. Favorite topics include movement development, self-regulation, building connections, and all aspects of the Educaring® Approach. She will be happy to create a dynamic, interactive and inspiring presentation for your special event.

UPCOMING RIE® FOUNDATIONS: THEORY AND OBSERVATION COURSES

The RIE® Foundations: Theory and Observation™ course is offered to all adults without prerequisites and each student is mentored according to his or her goals and background. It can be brought to your city; Ruth Anne has conducted courses in New York, Los Angeles, Washington, DC, Beijing, Shanghai and Tel Aviv. It is designed for parents and professionals who want to develop and deepen their understanding of RIE’s Educaring® Approach to infant development and care. Parents, childcare practitioners and administrators, therapists, and educators in multiple fields have all found that Educaring® enhances their capability as well as their joy and wonder in being with young children.

This small group (12-14) intensive training includes a minimum of 36 hours of class time plus observations and homework totaling 60 hours, not including reading. The format incorporates lectures, activities, discussions, videos, visits to infant care centers, and (in several cities) a unique opportunity to observe RIE® Parent-Infant Guidance™ classes. With topics that include caregiving interactions, respectful communication, psycho-motor and social-emotional development, play and curriculum, we think you will find this course enlightening, inspiring and practical. For more information or to register, click here.

Welcome...

Respecting Babies: A Guide to Educaring for Parents and Professionals

My Mission

More From Ruth Anne

Books & Publications

Professional Development

Parent Education

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