Raising a natural child is something that many parents are interested in these days. Some parents hear about "natural living" or have a vague notion that they should be "more natural" in their homes, but aren't sure how to do it. Raising a natural child can begin with some small steps and move forward into an overall natural lifestyle. Here are some tips.
Foster an Interest in Nature
Most children naturally love to
be out in nature. Others may have been raised in an environment with little
exposure to nature, and might not have an immediate interest in it. Either way,
getting your kids out into nature can help raise a natural child. To do this,
try some of the following.
* Encourage a collection of
natural objects, such as pine cones, feathers, rocks, or nuts. Whirly maple
"keys" make fun seasonal collections that you can release from a
porch or deck and watch them twirl on their way down.
* Direct your kids outside when
they are bored or getting underfoot in the house. This will help teach them
where to turn - nature - when they need something to do.
* Take walks and hikes together
as a family instead of going to a movie, watching TV, or playing computer
games.
* Nature crafts can open your
kids' eyes to the artistic world around them. They can gather twigs to weave
into picture frames and wreaths, or collect acorns to decorate various objects.
They can weave flowers into chains or build cabins out of sticks. Check your
local library and/or the internet to find more nature craft ideas.
Attachment Parenting
Many people consider attachment
parenting to be the most natural form of parenting. This makes sense - carrying
your baby on your body and nursing as-needed is very much what animals do and
what our ancestors were likely to have done. Attachment parenting largely shuns
the use of artificial accoutrements like pacifiers, bottles, bouncy seats, and
even cribs. Attachment parenting is usually considered a component of raising a
natural child.
Attachment and natural parenting
can begin before birth with a natural pregnancy, and follow with a natural
birth.
Diapers
Use cloth diapers for a more
natural parenting approach. Some natural parents like to practice
"elimination communication," which means you hold the baby over the
toilet when he eliminates. This is one less diaper to wash and hopefully a step
toward toilet training.
Food
Natural food is certainly a way
to connect your child to the natural world. Homemade baby food, toddler snacks,
and meals can go a long way in fostering an appreciation for food and nature.
Consider growing a garden for at least some of your food, and let your child
help with the gardening and harvesting. You might consider raising a few
chickens, too. Your kids will know more than most kids about where food comes
from!
Article by: Clem C. Benton, Jr.
http://www.12path.com/L/Bonnie/