Tag Archives: parenting choices

Parenting According to Dosha

  By Donna DeForbes | August 4, 2015 - 5:00 am | , ,
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Tips for how to parent the dosha of your child | Eco-Mothering.com

The Indian science of Ayurveda is the art of living in harmony with nature. Everything in nature is formed from various proportions of these five elements: space, air, water, fire and earth. These elements are also present as biological energies within us, where they are called doshas: Pitta, Vata and Kapha. What is a Dosha? The three doshas, or mind-body types, reveal our personal energy patterns—sort of like the way Myers-Briggs Type Indicator® identifies our personalities (ISFJ, anyone?). While we each have a mix of all three doshas, usually one primary dosha dominates our personality and health from birth. According to Ayurvedic principles, we can achieve balance in our health and our lives by nurturing our particular dosha. Here is a brief summary of each dosha. Pitta (fire and water; summer/early fall): Hot, intense, sour energy. Pitta people tend to have a medium build, sensitive skin and strong appetites. They … Continue reading →

Generation Gap (In Defense of Gen Xers)

  By Donna DeForbes | May 12, 2015 - 5:00 am | ,
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In Defense of Gen Xers | Eco-Mothering.com

Like it or not, my daughter is growing up a part of Generation Z being defined as the most entrepreneurial, collaborative, and socially conscious group of people yet. It seems like a good thing. Studies say Gen Z are more educated, make healthier choices and are cautious in their spending—the results, perhaps, of growing up in a world defined by digital media, global connection and depleting resources. I can’t help but feel a little bit jealous and, even defensive, of my own Generation X (roughly, those born between 1965 and 1980). The Baby Boomers labeled us as such due to the challenge of identifying the “X” factor that represented us. They called us cynical, anxious, unfocused slackers. Really, we are the children of the 70’s and 80’s, a group sandwiched between two larger and flashier generations. We got lost in the shuffle. We started out in safe, idyllic childhoods but … Continue reading →

Natural Parenting from A to Z

  By Donna DeForbes | March 17, 2015 - 5:00 am | ,
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Natural Parenting Basics | Eco-Mothering.com

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 … Continue reading →

5 Simple Ways to be a Greener Parent

  By Donna DeForbes | January 13, 2015 - 5:00 am | ,
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Tips for Being a Greener Parent | Eco-Mothering.com

At Eco-Mothering, “guilt-free” means accepting your imperfection while still making conscious choices every day. So, how do you get started on the guilt-free road to a greener family? Perhaps with one of these green parenting basics. Spend Family Time Outdoors Being in nature is an ideal way to instill appreciation for our planet. Regular family hikes, outdoor games, biking, swimming, winter activities, time to just sit and observe wildlife… all these things make nature lovers of children. And that sets the foundation of kids beginning to care for their environment. In addition, being outside recharges us, soothes us and offers all sorts of health benefits, both physical and mental. Seems like a win-win for people and the planet, doesn’t it? To learn more about kids and the outdoors, check out this interesting article on “nature deficit disorder” by author Richard Louv. Breastfeed, If You Can I chose to breastfeed because I … Continue reading →

Natural Parenting Tips from Natural Moms, Part 2

  By Donna DeForbes | March 4, 2014 - 5:00 am | ,
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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 | ,
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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 →

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

  By Donna DeForbes | December 12, 2013 - 5:00 am |
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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 →