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!