Natural Parenting is broadly based on a desire to live and parent responsively and consciously.
The term ‘natural’ is in the same category of words like ‘organic’, ‘holistic’ and ‘responsive’. What this implies is being in touch with the human being your child is, with all her quirks; and treating her with respect and love. As you would any adult in your family. It is ‘natural’ as opposed to ‘pre-conditioned’. It’s not ‘natural’ as opposed to ‘unnatural to you’!
Natural parenting is not an excuse to couch laziness or close-mindedness.
Simply put, we cannot ignore the wealth of useful information and progress, by spouting clichés like ‘that’s how we were brought up’ or ‘we turned out just fine’. Frankly speaking, if each generation thought like this, children would still be handed off to wet nurses and be seen for an hour every evening by parents.
We are a global generation of psychological and spiritual awareness. There are articles, workshops, school systems and conversations all around us, expounding on caregiving techniques, brain mapping, multiple intelligences, the impact of formative years etc. There is conclusive research to showcase early development capacity for languages, art, music, strategy and meditation. Schools and learning centres offering exciting opportunities are mushrooming all around us. The world isn’t going insane, with a few old-fashioned ‘sensible’ stalwarts around. The world is simply saying, we know better now so let’s do better!
Parenting, like everything worthwhile in life, is about balance.
The balance between your children’s needs and your own life. The balance between offering structure and opportunities, and allowing space for freedom and independence to develop. The balance between giving them a great life, and living your individual dreams. But before striving for any kind of balance, there has to be awareness. And humility. And openness to change.
Making space to change your personality and your life to include your kids. This may mean letting a few evening invitations go. Not travelling extensively as a couple. Changing your weekend routine. Allowing for occasional social embarrassment. Listening to some enriching opinions and facts. Incorporating new ideas into your life. Growing as a human being. Once you are open and aware, you can choose to agree and incorporate, or you can choose to remain on your current path. But stubborn resistance to any effort or change is the only sin a parent can truly commit.
Sure, you turned out fine; but how do you know you couldn’t have turned out much better? Fearless. Talented. Communicative. Kind. A genius. The truth is, if you believe that a parent does not need to make conscious changes in their life for their children, then you are most definitely being lazy and stubborn.
Natural parenting is not having your children grow up around your life, it is being in conscious touch with your child at all points in time and honouring them as important human beings.
Your child is not a weed; your child is the most precious of plants. Parenting is a gift, treat it with care. Be a mindful parent today. Read, question, connect- make the change.
Parul Gupta
Mansi Zaveri
Rati Ramadas Girish
Harshita Pande
