Category Archives: Beyond Childbirth

Natural Parenting Tips from Natural Moms, Part 2

  By Donna DeForbes | March 4, 2014 - 5:00 am | ,
Leave a comment
Tips on Raising Kids Naturally | Eco-Mothering.com

Welcome to Part 2 in my series on Parenting Tips from Natural Moms— honest, firsthand experience to complement the researched knowledge on all things parenting. Part 1 covered issues around pregnancy, breastfeeding, co-sleeping, babywearing and cloth diapering. Below you’ll find parenting tips and advice from natural moms I’ve connected with in the areas of childrearing, discipline, education and more. Enjoy! Raising Children Naturally A Common Sense Guide to Vaccines (with printable) from Nourishing Joy Teething with Amber Necklaces from Simply Healthy Home A Remedy for Bedtime Fears in Toddlers from Real Food RN Supporting Your Child’s Imagination from Hybrid Rasta Mama 5 Ways to Encourage Your Children from Nourishing Joy How to Teach Our Kids About Our Faith from Nourishing Joy Helping Children Handle Death from Eco-Mothering Should You Give Your Daughter a Barbie? from Authentic Parenting How to Avoid Parenting Conflicts at Family Gatherings from Authentic Parenting Technology and Childhood from Hybrid … Continue reading →

Natural Parenting Tips from Natural Moms, Part 1

  By Donna DeForbes | February 25, 2014 - 5:00 am | ,
3 Comments
Natural Parenting Tips | Eco-Mothering.com

While there is a wealth of factual information on all things parenting, sometimes the most cherished advice comes direct from other moms. We prefer to hear from women who are going through exactly what we’re going through. We want that honest, firsthand experience to complement the researched knowledge. Below you’ll find parenting tips and advice from natural moms I’ve connected with in the areas of pregnancy, breastfeeding, co-sleeping, babywearing and cloth diapering. Be sure to check out Part 2, which includes personal stories and guidance on childrearing, discipline, education and more. Pregnancy and Post Partum Exercises for Pregnancy from Healing Cuisine by Elise Essential Oil Safety in Pregnancy from Hybrid Rasta Mama Things a Pregnant Woman Really Needs from Hybrid Rasta Mama 5 Natural Birth Control Options from Healing Cuisine by Elise Hypnobirthing from Healing Cuisine by Elise 50 Eco-Friendly Baby Names from Eco-Mothering 15 Tips for Easing the Post Partum Hospital … Continue reading →

What To Do With Old Toys (and How Your Child Can Help in the Purging Process)

  By Donna DeForbes | January 28, 2014 - 5:00 am | ,
5 Comments
Purging Toys | Eco-Mothering.com

After the winter holidays, I get into de-cluttering mode. This is especially true with regard to my daughter Sofie’s stuff. She accrues so many new toys as gifts, and I swear the tiny plastic pieces multiply while we’re sleeping! Pretty soon my internal clutter meter goes off, and I know it’s time to purge This can be tough since kids tend to cling to their possessions. Yes, you can do it covertly when your child’s not around (mom confession: I sometimes do this), but it will serve you better in the long run to involve kids in the art of letting go. Read my full article on Earth911.com for tips on teaching little ones how to de-clutter, plus eco-friendly options for what to do with those old toys afterwards. This post is featured on Tuesday Greens, Healthy, Happy, Green and Natural Party, Simple Lives Thursday, Small Footprint Friday and Works for … Continue reading →

New Year’s Eve Reflections on 2013

  By Donna DeForbes | December 31, 2013 - 5:30 am |
Leave a comment
deforbes-family-photo-2013

Inspired by a post from Sheila at A Living Family and, in the mode of annual reflection, here’s my look at the personal things that have transpired in one short year. One year ago… I was unemployed, depending on state benefits. Since then, I have embarked on the journey of self-employment, hung up my shingle and attracted freelance graphic design and writing clients. I discovered that I love being my own boss. I also love having flexible hours that allow me to work around my daughter’s school schedule (or do laundry in the middle of the day!). I was mother to a placid kindergartener. Now, I’m mother to a restless and dynamic first grader, which has pushed me to grow in unexpected ways. In the past year, Sofie has learned to swim, ride a two-wheeler and read entire books on her own. She acquired four more adult teeth, donated her … Continue reading →

5 Ways Families Can Slow Down in a Fast-Paced World

  By Donna DeForbes | December 12, 2013 - 5:00 am |
Leave a comment
family-hiking

This is a guest post by Jamica Bell. It’s a busy world we live in, especially at this time of year. From long work hours and rushed meals to buzzing from one activity to the next, taking time out can feel like an impossible task. However, not making the time for each other can be hugely detrimental to your family relationships. Switching off from the rush of life and other distractions will not only improve your closeness, it can also provide many health benefits. Even families with the craziest lifestyles can “unplug” together in an effort to re-connect. Why Slow Down? It improves relationships. By removing some of the distractions of your daily life, your family will be able to communicate and engage with each other on a deeper level. Snatched bits of conversation around a rushed dinner table simply don’t compare to an in-depth, uninterrupted chat with your loved … Continue reading →

Why First Grade Means Growing Up … for Both Me and My Daughter

  By Donna DeForbes | December 10, 2013 - 5:00 am |
10 Comments
sofie-climbs-net-ecotarium

Welcome to the December 2013 Carnival of Natural Parenting: The More Things Change . . . This post was written for inclusion in the monthly Carnival of Natural Parenting hosted by Code Name: Mama and Hobo Mama. This month our participants have shared stories and wisdom about life changes. —> The only thing I remember about starting first grade is being too scared of my teacher to ask to use the bathroom. Thirty-five years later, my daughter has entered first grade, and everything about it has felt monumental to me. She started a new school, which in itself is a big thing. We love the school, its philosophy and its community. Sofie was the only new girl entering a class of seven, most of who had been together for a couple of years. Sofie fit in like she was a missing family member. She is adaptable in ways I have … Continue reading →

Steps Toward Parenting with Positive Reinforcement

  By Donna DeForbes | October 29, 2013 - 5:00 am |
Leave a comment
happy-kids-running

This is a guest post by Madoline Hatter. During the formative years of your children’s lives, you have much influence in how they view the world. In order to embrace certain attitudes or prevent others, much can be done on your behalf to help your kids develop a positive outlook on life. Using positive reinforcement over negative discipline can shift the way your child looks at any given task. Negativity Breeds Negativity When you focus on negative outcomes regarding misbehavior, the child’s focus is on that negative aspect of life. Too many negative thoughts can be detrimental to a child’s development as he or she learns to always look at the bad side. Instead of respecting you as parents, your children could fear you due to the disciplinary actions that could ensue for any given rule that is broken. Focus on the Positive Positive reinforcement doesn’t have to mean that … Continue reading →