Organic Parenting

Organic  [awr-gan-ik]
(ɔːˈɡænɪk)

 —adj

“...developing in a manner analogous to the natural 

growth and evolution characteristic of living organisms; 

arising as a natural outgrowth.”

Parenting   [pair-uh n-ting, par-] 

(ˈpɛərəntɪŋ)  

 —noun

"the rearing of children; the methods, techniques, etc.
used or required in the rearing of children"

What is Organic Parenting?

Organic Parenting also a form of Natural Parenting, is based on a desire to live and parent responsively and consciously. While no two families who practice natural parenting may define it the same way, there are several principles that are widely agreed to be part of this lifestyle. These are ideals that natural parents tend to hold — even if we don’t always live up to all of them, we keep them in mind as goals.


1) Attachment/Responsive Parenting: Attachment parents prepare for pregnancy, birth, and parenting; practice exclusive and full-term breastfeeding if possible, and feed with love and respect regardless of whether it is at the breast, with a bottle, or beyond; respond with sensitivity; use nurturing touch (including babywearing and skin-to-skin contact); ensure safe sleep, physically and emotionally (including bed sharing and co-sleeping, responsive nighttime parenting, and no “crying it out”); provide consistent and loving care; practice positive discipline (with no physical punishment); and strive for balance in personal and family life.

2) Ecological Responsibility and Love of Nature: Families strive to reduce their ecological footprint by living consciously and making Earth-friendly choices, such as by choosing organic when possible, using cloth diapers or practicing elimination communication, supporting local economies, and so forth. Parents may choose to find toys and clothing made of natural fibers and materials. Families spend quality time outside enjoying the natural world.

3) Holistic Health Practices: Parents research medical choices and make educated decisions regarding all health care (vaccinations, medical interventions, medications, etc.). Many families choose to use alternative or natural healthcare such as herbal remedies, chiropractic care, natural childbirth, and so on. 

4) Natural Learning: Families spend time together, and children learn through everyday activities. Parents try to facilitate learning without “teaching,” to help children ask questions that develop thinking, to develop consideration for others without shaming or training, to give choices while guiding the children, to listen to instinctual cues, to honor emotions and desires, to allow development to take place in its own time, and to engender cooperation and harmony without manipulation. This might include the decision to pursue uncommon methods of education, such as alternative classrooms, home schooling, or unschooling.

Above all, natural parenting is making the choice to develop a deep bond with your children and family based on mutual respect. An attached child grows into a mature and interdependent individual who understands how to develop healthy, secure relationships with others. 
 

"It’s not about organic food or physical health. It’s about spiritual food, emotional health, feeding our spirits with what it takes to thrive. It’s about organically moving from a place of trust and connection and helping our children do the same. It’s about what comes naturally to us: doing the best we can to meet our needs, so that we can help others meet their needs and together move toward the things that light us up." - Tara Wagner on Organic Parenting