Holistic Parenting for Lifelong Health and Happiness

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Parenthood is a life-changing journey. As new parents, we learn that our choices have important consequences for the health and well-being of our children. Holistic parenting embraces that journey. It emphasizes natural health, a strong and loving parent-child bond, and green living. This article discusses 5 approaches to holistic parenting during pregnancy, infancy, and childhood.

  • Practicing Prenatal Yoga

Prenatal yoga is a holistic approach to pregnancy that involves gentle stretching, meditation, relaxation, and breathing. Prenatal yoga increases strength and flexibility, improves mood, and reduces pain, stress, and the risk of preterm labor. Mothers who attend prenatal yoga classes also have the opportunity to meet and bond with other pregnant women.

  • Breastfeeding

Holistic parenting encourages breastfeeding for natural immunity and healthy development. Breast milk has antibodies that protect babies from numerous infections and diseases. Breastfeeding also reduces the risk of long-term health problems, such as obesity, allergies, diabetes, and autoimmune disease. Breast milk even facilitates mother-infant bonding through the release of oxytocin, a love-promoting hormone.

  • Co-sleeping

Holistic parenting embraces co-sleeping, where parents and children sleep in the same room or bed. Co-sleeping helps parents and babies get more sleep; breastfeeding during the night is easier when babies are nearby; and babies have less nighttime distress when parents are within close proximity.

  • Sharing a Good Laugh

Holistic parenting encourages laughter. Laughter brightens family life and offers numerous health benefits. Kids with a sense of humor are smarter, happier, and better able to handle life’s challenges. So do something silly to get those giggles flowing, like watching a funny movie, running around the house, or sharing a good joke.

  • Spending time outdoors

Holistic parenting values green living, like spending outdoor time with your child. Outdoor play reduces aggression, improves muscle development, and enhances imagination. There are many fun ways to enjoy the outdoors, such as organic gardening, hiking, biking, horseback riding, and camping.

Conclusion

Finally, holistic parenting respects every parent’s unique approach to health and child rearing. Parents should make open-minded and informed decisions that best suit their personal values and family needs. Remember, only you and your child truly know what is best for you and your child.

References:

http://www.baeacupuncture.com/17024172.pdf

http://jaoa.org/article.aspx?articleid=2093315

http://kellymom.com/parenting/nighttime/cosleeping/

http://kidshealth.org/en/parents/child-humor.html

https://www.nwf.org/What-We-Do/Kids-and-Nature/Why-Get-Kids-Outside.aspx

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Nicole_Else-

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Nicole_Else-Quest/publication/247828086_Breastfeeding_Bonding_and_the_Mother-Infant_Relationship/links/54256bd50cf26120b7ac9829.pdf

http://spiritualityhealth.com/articles/what-holistic-parenting

 

Dr. B
I am a psychologist, mother, expatriate, and children's book author. My mission is to provide readers with cutting edge and useful information regarding natural health, holistic parenting, and travel. My children's books focus on the joy, tradition, and beauty of Mexico. Check out my newly released book, "A Tail of Two Burros" at amazon.com. I also write for the health and medical supply website: pdrmed.com. For more information about my children's books and blogs, follow me at: @ajijicsol and @pdrmed