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Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Natural Parenting

I used to wonder what I'd do with myself if I ever stopped working and frankly I could never imagine doing so!

Now I can't imagine how I ever worked in that stale environment for 10 years with people I didn't trust and like, with no appreciation, a job that became a bore, a chore, something that I had to not wanted to!

Life at home is sometimes viewed below par because you ain't paid for it. However, I am sure that most of us women would rather be a housewife and full time mum than go to work if at all possible. So far I never encountered any sort of criticism about my choice but than in Malta a lot of us still stop working to care for the children whenever finances allow. So maybe that is why!

Still I do encounter a lot of raised eyebrows or comments or both because I use natural parenting. This concept is quite inexistent in Malta (or at least I am not aware of anyone who encourages it or of others who do it). When Greg was born and I insisted on babywearing I got a lot of negative feedback which left me drained most of the times when out in public. I still get strange looks when I babywear him now at 15 months. Because of my prolonged breastfeeding (I still nurse him on demand) I too get a lot of raised brows and say that I shouldn't or that its not necessary etc etc. Now that my philosophy is to be a gentle disciplinarian or as also known natural parent I get even more strange looks. However, in my 2 week stunt I have seen a big difference. From near to 20 hours of frustration, crying and tantrums for every little thing that happens at home we have gone to near to nil. His appetite is also improving and though this might not be in conjunction to this, I think it is. I am being much more relaxed and so is he. Now all that is left is for me and daddy to remember and be aware more of our actions so that we stop completely any shouting which still happens occassionally and that is my biggest aim!

Natural Parenting is by no means easy. It is actually more difficult than the standard parenting method because you cannot simply sit down and yell at the top of your voice your wishes. You have to be on your toes and think before taking action of anything. To go down to your child's level and to give him the necessary attention. At the end of the day it is at making your childs' progress in this world as easy and wholesome as possible.

To view more on this method of parenting visit Attachment Parenting International, La Leche League & The Parenting Passageway

3 comments:

Sassy Chica said...

Natural Parenting, what an interesting title! It's almost unjust how some can form opinions with out knowing the dedication given to our children.



mwah mwah
Sassy Chica

Amity said...

Hi Melissa;

I did natural parenting too and my kids, now teeners, grew up to be well-bred.

Kids do not appreciate parents shouting at them or being so strict in every thing they wish to do. Give them freedom, show their mistakes in the kindest manner and they will learn from it.

Scolding is a big no.

You are on the right path of parenting Melissa, keep up!

And regards being a working as against a stay-home full time Mom, you are right, if finances allow, I would have preferred to stay at home rather than be a working Mom.

But nevertheless I dont have regrets now. My kids are all grown up (3 kids) and all will soon be in college, come June next year!

I am enjoying my solitude now as they are studying in the city and I am left home where I need to be at work. I visit them once or twice a month.

Amity said...

I have an award for you in my place...please claim it dear...thanks!

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Natural Parenting

I used to wonder what I'd do with myself if I ever stopped working and frankly I could never imagine doing so!

Now I can't imagine how I ever worked in that stale environment for 10 years with people I didn't trust and like, with no appreciation, a job that became a bore, a chore, something that I had to not wanted to!

Life at home is sometimes viewed below par because you ain't paid for it. However, I am sure that most of us women would rather be a housewife and full time mum than go to work if at all possible. So far I never encountered any sort of criticism about my choice but than in Malta a lot of us still stop working to care for the children whenever finances allow. So maybe that is why!

Still I do encounter a lot of raised eyebrows or comments or both because I use natural parenting. This concept is quite inexistent in Malta (or at least I am not aware of anyone who encourages it or of others who do it). When Greg was born and I insisted on babywearing I got a lot of negative feedback which left me drained most of the times when out in public. I still get strange looks when I babywear him now at 15 months. Because of my prolonged breastfeeding (I still nurse him on demand) I too get a lot of raised brows and say that I shouldn't or that its not necessary etc etc. Now that my philosophy is to be a gentle disciplinarian or as also known natural parent I get even more strange looks. However, in my 2 week stunt I have seen a big difference. From near to 20 hours of frustration, crying and tantrums for every little thing that happens at home we have gone to near to nil. His appetite is also improving and though this might not be in conjunction to this, I think it is. I am being much more relaxed and so is he. Now all that is left is for me and daddy to remember and be aware more of our actions so that we stop completely any shouting which still happens occassionally and that is my biggest aim!

Natural Parenting is by no means easy. It is actually more difficult than the standard parenting method because you cannot simply sit down and yell at the top of your voice your wishes. You have to be on your toes and think before taking action of anything. To go down to your child's level and to give him the necessary attention. At the end of the day it is at making your childs' progress in this world as easy and wholesome as possible.

To view more on this method of parenting visit Attachment Parenting International, La Leche League & The Parenting Passageway

3 comments:

Sassy Chica said...

Natural Parenting, what an interesting title! It's almost unjust how some can form opinions with out knowing the dedication given to our children.



mwah mwah
Sassy Chica

Amity said...

Hi Melissa;

I did natural parenting too and my kids, now teeners, grew up to be well-bred.

Kids do not appreciate parents shouting at them or being so strict in every thing they wish to do. Give them freedom, show their mistakes in the kindest manner and they will learn from it.

Scolding is a big no.

You are on the right path of parenting Melissa, keep up!

And regards being a working as against a stay-home full time Mom, you are right, if finances allow, I would have preferred to stay at home rather than be a working Mom.

But nevertheless I dont have regrets now. My kids are all grown up (3 kids) and all will soon be in college, come June next year!

I am enjoying my solitude now as they are studying in the city and I am left home where I need to be at work. I visit them once or twice a month.

Amity said...

I have an award for you in my place...please claim it dear...thanks!