Parenting natural vs everything else!!

We all have seen the shift towards natural parenthood, and I am a massive advocate, to parent as naturally as possible.

So why has there become a shift where we now see parenting as an us-and-them approach?

Recently I have been with parents who parent in a holistic way and others that just parent the way their parents did before them.

The holistic parents are fresh foods, no sugar, homemade crafts and clothing, and freshly cooked foods while the other parents just grab a burger feed or clothes from wherever they feel like shopping.

As a “natural parent” I love to cook foods for our kids, grab up-cycled clothing and live as organically as possible, but on the other hand, I will grab a feed on the way home, and if the price is suitable pick it up bargains from your local big w.

Does either style mean you have it wrong if you love your children, and allow them the freedom to be kids?

The “click” way we now see parenting is something that we need to address considering it is an overflow from our own schooling days where clicks and group mentality was how it was done.

The real world needs a different approach, one that shows acceptance of parenthood in all the beautiful forms it takes.

I know that I did an article on the “click system” not that long ago, but it is a relevant word for this article as well.

Children benefit from being allowed to grow into their individuality and to do this we need to appreciate the parents that are attempting to raise a wholistic child, whether naturally or “standard”.

The other thing that has to be addressed in this holistic world of parenting is the belief that “discipline” is a bad thing.

The word discipline doesn’t mean the old version of “spare the rod and spoil the child” it means setting boundaries, being the parent, and making sound choices for your children as you are their teacher in life skills.

So many people now believe that being “friends” with their children is the way to create a lasting bond!!!

Then why have I interviewed parents who wished they had parents who showed their love with some discipline?

Why is it that they felt neglected because they were given the freedom to go and do whatever they wanted without boundaries?

Why?

It is because, as hard as it is to say no to our children, as hard as it is to see the disappointment in their faces it is harder to feel the disrespect that they show us when they feel neglected.

Lashing out to get some sort of recognition, response, or reaction that you truly care and love them.

Children love boundaries, they love to know you care about what they are doing more than the TV, computer, or mobile phone.

They need to feel that they are important enough to listen to, but also know that when you say hold on that you mean that you will speak to them in a minute not ignore them and blow them off in favor of anything, everything else.

Boundaries make happy people, adults, children, and babies.

Boundaries allow us all to know that line that is socially appropriate, no that our yes is yes and our no is no.

Children and babies push boundaries and make you take time for them because they feel neglected.

No, they won’t recognize that emotion, but as they grow up and the feelings intensify, as they grow and the boundaries have been that loose, they start to become demanding and unappreciative.

As the teenage years approach this behavior can become very intense for the parent as the hormonal teen floods with every emotion in seconds.

This means that, since they didn’t have reasonable boundaries, they want to know – why are you trying to put them onto me now?

A fair question, wouldn’t you agree?

If for their entire junior life, you have decided they can pick and choose everything they want to do, then why try to impose boundaries now.

Why suddenly are you giving curfews, limits on friends, party boundaries, and everything else boundaries?

Realistically, boundaries need to start in the cradle, they need to learn respect, boundaries, and appropriate social interactions before they are 5 to ensure a mentally, and emotionally stable child.

They need to feel the love, freedom, and respect that they deserve and need, and in return, they will grow together and receive the respect, friendship, and love of their adult children with every passing day.

Parenting is a respect, appreciation, and love job.

It is a place that many journeys to and no matter whether you are a holistic, natural, or standard parent you are going to be amazing and more than likely have the most beautiful children.

Set the boundaries of respect in this generation that is divided by natural and holistic parenting, don’t be afraid of the word “discipline” and don’t worry about those that judge you for the parenting style you have.

“kids don’t come out with manuals, marriage didn’t come with a how to guide, and live was made for living”

So let’s all begine to live it with love, honor and boundries.

Have a beautiful day everyone ❤️