How do you connect with yourself?

[Andrea Gledhill]

It may sound like a strange topic but I am intrigued to find out how
other people began to live and became absorbed in the natural
parenting lifestyle.

I find myself very drawn to the philosophies of natural parenting and
all that goes along with it - however despite my natural affinity
towards this parenting style - I still find it difficult to make the
transition and find myslef continuing along in my old ways quite
often.

How do you connect with the lifestyle?

[krislaroche]

hi andrea.
oh your post has me so curious and wanting more...you feel an affinity
but struggle with what part? do you feel alone? do you feel habitual
in your responses? do you lack models to be around? it seems like that
is such a big part of making the transition, if you've been parenting
another way. what are you needing? what do you mean by "old ways"
specifically-reward and punishment? sounds like maybe there are some
unconscious beliefs worth mining out, or maybe just needing some
straight up new tools. hmmm.

[Andrea Gledhill]

I guess that I believe in the elements that go together to live the
natural parenting lifestyle and want to become better at embodying
then but I am not very good at being aware of myself and my actions
alot of the time. Hence I find myself slipping into habits that I have
formed and believe to be less than what I want for my boy.
For example I feel very strongly about child directed play and
development of creativity and imagination and yet I still find myself
drawn to the latest plastic toy - knowing that I want it because I
don't want him to feel like he is missing out on anything.This is what
I mean when I refer to my "old ways".
I probably dont really have any solid role models of natural parenting
in my close circle of friends and perhaps it would help if I did.
I guess I don't really believe in punishment - although I do believe
in certain boundaries for my boy.
I am not an over cautious mum - I would never deprive my boy of an
opportunity for learning about the world or having fun and indulging
in his pure childlike behaviour. I wouldn never stop him from jumping
in a puddle if that was what he wanted to do.

I guess that I read some lovely blogs from mamas who embrace this
lifestyle and they all seem to know exactly how to raise a child with
these natural philosophies in mind and I feel like I really have no
idea. Then in areas where I do feel like I have some idea (such as
handmade clothes and gifts and encouraging creativity) I often don't
stick to my beliefs and I will stray because I feel like he would miss
out on something otherwise.

Does this make sense?

[krislaroche]

It does make sense. It sounds like you may be more sure than you
realize. Blogs make life look perfect, oftentimes. I love the beauty
of blogs, how the camera captures that gorgeous corner with all wooden
toys, and I also want us all to be free from comparison. Take the
parts you see that call to you and leave the rest. What if you knew
that every "natural mama" had plastic toys? What would you choose
then? There are no rules. I chose the name "natural parenting center"
because I believe in my heart of hearts that our natural state is joy.
Not because we have to eat almond butter instead of peanut butter and
have zero plastic in our homes (though if you want that, great!).
It sounds like you might enjoy some sorting out of your own core
values. It also sounds like some unconscious beliefs are driving you
in ways that you don't enjoy...eg. fear of missing out. Fear is always
a sign of some unconscious gremlin showing up.
wishing you much love, andrea.