Natural Parenting from A to Z

Are you a natural parent? What does that even mean? Natural parenting is generally defined as “a desire to live and parent responsively and consciously.” Within that definition there are some basic principles and a variety of lifestyle choices.

Don’t worry; to be a natural parent, you don’t have to follow every single one of them! Some choices will speak to you, others will not. For instance, I am a strong proponent of breastfeeding, babywearing, nurturing touch and nature. I also had an induced labor, a fully vaccinated daughter and never made my own baby food. Yet I still consider myself a natural and responsive parent who makes conscious choices every day.

If you’re new to parenting, you can peruse this list to see what aspects of the natural lifestyle may work for you and your partner. Which ones jive with your personality? Start here, then do further research on your preferred subjects.

Alternative schooling

From Montessori and Waldorf schools to homeschooling and unschooling, you get excited about the myriad of education choices you can make for your child.

Breastfeeding

Breast is best, if that works for you. Otherwise, feeding with love and respect is key — whether it’s from the breast or the bottle.

Cloth diapering

You believe cotton diapers are gentler on your baby’s bottom and the earth. You might even be a part of the online groups and websites dedicated to cloth diaper education, swapping and more.

DIY lifestyle

You love the idea of making your own cleaning products, vitamins, baby clothes, crafts, etc. You have a knack for creative repurposing of items from around the house.

Essential oils

Your home often smells of lavender, lemongrass or peppermint. You use these plant oils for almost everything from household cleaning to personal hygiene and natural healing.

Fostering healthy food choices

You introduce solids at whatever age you’re child is naturally ready, and you offer a wide range of fruits, veggies and whole grains. You focus on unprocessed foods, growing your own food and allowing your child to help in the kitchen.

Gently used

Bring on the hand-me-downs! You’re concerned about the sustainability of buying everything new, especially when it comes to baby stuff. You’d rather peruse yard sales and consignment shops for clothes, toys and gear. And once an item has completed its use in your own family, you donate or pass it on again.

Herbal remedies

You believe in nature’s medicine. In fact, your medicine cabinet and your spice cabinet are almost identical, and you have grand plans to grow your own medicinal herbs.

Informed decisions

You aren’t just following the latest trend or whatever your parents did. You research choices (re: school, healthcare, etc.) and make conscious decisions based on your values and your child’s needs.

Joint parenting

You and your partner make parenting decisions together and share the responsibilities. You may take turns getting up at night with your newborn, staying home from work to care for your baby or arranging play dates.

Keeping communication open

You feel communication is key, and that every family member should learn the skills to express his or her feelings in non-violent ways. You may institute regular family meetings to discuss issues or plan family outings.

Love of nature

You make a point to spend large amounts of time outdoors and prefer to see the kids in the dirt rather than in front of a screen. You might celebrate earth-based holidays or make earth-friendly choices in your purchases.

Minimalism

You prefer not to have your home crammed with a lot of stuff, especially baby gear with a short life span. It’s just the necessities for you… and often they’re of simple design and natural materials.

Natural birthing

You explore alternative birthing options and relaxation methods such as home birth, water birth, hypnobirthing, placenta encapsulation, etc. You may choose a midwife or doula to support you throughout the process.

Organic products

What your family eats, wears and uses on their bodies is important to you. You choose organic products as much as possible to reduce exposure to chemicals.

Positive discipline

To you, parenting is not about domination and control. You use tools of positive discipline as a way to offer choices, allow natural consequences and create a ‘yes’ environment.

Quiet time

You prefer not to be attached to technology at every moment. Downtime from your phone, the TV, the computer is treasured and regular. You make space for meditation, time in nature or long periods of nothingness to stimulate the soul.

Responding with sensitivity

You approach parenting with respect for your child first and foremost — you value her emotions, thoughts and opinions. You realize you do not have all the answers, and that you are merely here to guide your child as best you can.

Safe, soothing sleep

You are not a fan of the cry-it-out method and are open to co-sleeping with your baby in a family bed or keeping her in her own bed in your room. You respond to her nighttime cries and believe she sleeps better knowing she is not alone.

Toxin-free living

You’re a label reader, aware of the tons of chemical ingredients that comprise our everyday products. Because you want to avoid the ones with the most harmful health connections, you comb the EWG’s Skin Deep database before choosing skin and hair products.

Using nurturing touch

You want skin-to-skin contact as soon as your baby is born. You believe in infant massage, frequent hugs and never, ever spanking.

Vaccinations optional

You question the necessity and possible adverse effects of so many childhood vaccines and may opt to delay some or not vaccinate at all. In fact, chicken pox parties sound right up your alley.

Wearing your baby

No hand-carrying infant car seats for you. You want your child attached to you in a sling or baby wrap. It makes it easier for you to do things. Plus, the physical and emotional benefits of babywearing are numerous.

Xtraordinary patience

All parents need patience, of course, but with the natural parent’s tendency to avoid quick fixes, wait it out and go with the flow, you might find yourself accessing it a bit more!

Yoga, acupuncture and alternative health care

Sure, you may have regular check-ups with a conventional doctor, but you bolster your family’s health care with alternative options including Ayurvedic medicine, chiropractic care, homeopathy and bodywork.

Zest for imaginary play

You treasure storytelling, making music, creating art, building fairy houses and forts and all things magical. You believe unstructured play without goals is the wellspring of a child’s creativity.

This post is shared at Natural Family Friday.