Natural parenting the way we - article about Natural parenting the way we

Natural Parenting – The Way We Were

Natural parenting is gaining popularity with parents who find the world has changed dramatically over the past decade or two. The advent of electronic media and other developments has meant a change in the way a child is raised and in his or her activities. Advocates of natural parenting feel the child of today is losing touch with all that was considered essential to a healthy upbringing a couple of decades ago. This includes his or her family, as well as with healthy eating, nature and playing outdoors.

Natural parenting is also known as attachment parenting, and lays emphasis on strong emotional bonding between the child and his parents from birth. The advocates believe this brings in a great deal of security into the child’s life, and he or she grows up to be a secure individual with empathetic relationships. One can call it common sense and instinctive parenting, where quality time spent together by a family means much more than electronic gadgets and toys.

Goals Of Natural Parenting

The promoters of attachment or natural parenting believe in eight ideals that foster emotional bonding between the parents and children. They include preparing for childbirth, whereby parents make sure that they are physically and emotionally ready to have the child. They eat better, stop smoking and drinking alcohol, and are relaxed and ready for the pregnancy. Both parents are involved in the pregnancy, and attend the antenatal clinics and classes together. Normal childbirth is usually preferred, and so is breastfeeding.

Advocates of natural parenting also encourage baby wearing, where the baby is carried closed to the parent in a sling, and co-sleeping. They believe the child should sleep in the same bed as the parents, as it promotes bonding and facilitates breastfeeding. Long separation of the child from his or her parents is discouraged, and disciplining should be positive and not punitive. A balance should also be maintained in family life.

Natural parenting is a rewarding experience for parents, and enriching for the child. It may be exhausting for the working mother to be so completely involved in her child’s upbringing, but it reaps rich dividends in the long run. The father should make it a point to spend quality time with his child. This could mean working together on some chores in the house, or sharing a hobby. The father could also learn more about the child’s interests, and occasionally participate in them.

Natural parenting lays emphasis on healthy natural food and outdoor exercise. Excessive television watching, or playing on the computer are discouraged, and so are junk food and snacks. In a way, it is turning the clock back, and may not be entirely feasible in large cities, but it is worth the effort for some.

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