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 Organic Parenting Many parents, when asked, will agree that they are doing everything they can for their kids...the best schools, foods, educational toys, and opportunities. What’s interesting is that the same families have such hectic schedules, that there is never any family time together. No more family dinners around the kitchen table where everyone shares about their day. Kids sit in front of the TV instead of playing with each other outside so that parents can get things accomplished. No one is monitoring what video games our children are watching so violent images are taking over our children’s imaginations. Learning disabilities and ADD/ADHD are rapidly growing. Books no longer have an important place on our shelves. The importance of play has taken a back seat to academics and “getting ahead.” We are so quick to buy organic foods, organic cotton for clothing, or even organic make-up, but whatever happened to the organic family? The term “Organic Parenting” actually relates to the study of ancient tribal communities where they live a natural life in the true sense of the word. The main focus of these societies is the family and life revolves around it. The men “hunt”, the women “gather,” and the tribe as a whole takes care of each other. It’s the job not only of the parent, but of the extended family as well to take care of the children. Traditions, values, stories, and beliefs are passed down from generation to generation. Children still play and imagine, but they have a role and importance in the community. What can we learn from this organic society? How can a 21st century family get back to the basics while still keeping up with the times? We as parents need to remember what parenting is all about. Yes, it’s providing food on the table, teaching the ABC’s and 123’s, and hopefully ensuring “success” for your child by providing every opportunity. But, it’s so much more! Parenting is passing down these family traditions, values and beliefs. It’s sharing how the day went and talking to each other at the dinner table. It’s sitting down and doing homework together, tackling the challenges together. It is teaching things like empathy, responsibility, perseverance, and integrity. It’s preparing our children for adulthood and all of the challenges that lie ahead. It’s our job as parents to teach our children how to be humans in our world. How can we do this when we aren’t talking to each other anymore because we’re racing to the next after-school activity? Or because the TV already been on for 5 hours but “the greatest show” is coming on next? Even the few precious moments in the car are taken away by Game Boys and head phones. So, what can we learn from these organic societies? How can we incorporate some of these ideals and practices in our own families? It’s up to us as parents to reverse the negative trends that are driving our children. We already know the values of a healthy body and mind. We can see the benefits of yoga, exercise and eating organically. How can we extend these same ideas to our families and parenting as a whole? Let’s rid our families of all of the “impurities” of our world and create healthier lives – it’s our responsibility as parents. Let’s move towards a more organic family life where we truly are parents caring for our children. Not just making sure that they eat and sleep, but proving authentic nurturing and love and everything else that goes into an organic home-life – just the way Mother Nature intended it. “How to strive for a more organic family envioronment…” 1. On a regular basis, eat dinner together as a family without the TV, radio, or newspaper interrupting. Let everyone share, one at a time, about their day and what was the best thing that happened. 2. Plant a garden together. Not only will you reap the benefits of what you plant, but use it as a learning experience to teach how a plant grows from a seed, for example. 3. Spend an hour in the evening looking through old photo albums of your families and your relatives. Share the rich family stories and history with your children about where they came from. 4. Incorporate reading time together in the evenings with the family. Choose stories or novels that are age appropriate about subjects that you children are interested in. Titles such as, “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” have been favorites for years and soon, your children will be clamoring to the sofa to hear what happens next! 5. Allow your children to feel like equal and important members of the family. Instead of the TV babysitting them while you cook dinner or do the laundry, get the children involved. How can you use these opportunities to teach responsibility and valuable lessons such as teamwork?
Alexandra Blumencranz, CPC |
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