What Exactly is Natural Family Living?

With environmentalism becoming trendy you have probably heard the term natural family living one way or another. Contrary to popular belief it's not just for hippies or those living off grid. Natural Family living is a way of life blending social responsibility and gentle living. Often times parents who practice natural family living also use attachment parenting practices such as breastfeeding, baby wearing, co sleeping as well as more controversial choices like extended breastfeeding, no circumcision and no vaccinations for their children. One is not exclusive to another of course. But much of these practices go hand in hand for many people.

Here is a guide to common natural family living practices.

Alternative Medicine

Many family's that practice natural family living practice one form of alternative medicine or other. From using herbs and acupuncture to choosing not to circumcise and vaccinate, it's about respecting the body as a whole. There are so many alternative medicine modality's to choose from that is it easy to use natural methods when it comes to your health. Many family's are taking responsibility for themselves and their family's health. This goes a long way in preventative medicine and preventing future health problems as well. Not to mention the cost is much cheaper for our wallet's and the earth.

Baby Wearing

Baby wearing is the practice of wearing your child. Many natural family living parents choose to baby wear instead of using strollers and infant carrier's. This promotes binding and attachment with the parent or caregiver.

Cloth Diapering

Cloth diapering just makes sense economically and environmentally. Your baby will use hundred's of cloth diapers during the course of their babyhood! Save the landfill's from this excessive waste! There is also something called elimination communication which is infant potty training. This is the process of learning your baby's cues when having to eliminate. Some baby's as young as 4 months old can already go on a training potty with mom and dad's help! Amazing!

Organic and Local

This is very important for sustainability in natural family living circles. Many people choose to purchase only locally grown and organic produce, food and meat. This makes sense for creating sustainable communities. try heading to your local farmer's market this weekend instead of the grocery store or you can also use your local co op for shopping to support your community. Avoiding big box stores would be ideal.

The Natural Home

Using natural practices in home cleaning and even home building is a very big goal in many practicing natural family living. It is possible to clean your home with natural cleaners and control pests using natural pesticides. You can also used a clothesline to save money and solar power. You can even using vegetable oil for your car or make your own natural paint! The sky is the limit as far as keeping a natural home. It is definitely a process.

Gentle Discipline

Gentle discipline means treating our children with respect. Most that follow this route do not spank or condone physical violence in raising their children. This goes hand in hand with attachment parenting theories which is popular but not exclusive to those practicing natural family living.

Simple Living

Simple living seems to be a common goal among many people. enjoying the simple things in life is what makes our lives rich. Not possessions or status. Re evaluating every so often is a good idea so you will know where you are going and where you want your life to be.

Socially Conscious

Many in the natural family living community's try to live their lives as consciously as possible. Whether this mean boycotting child labor or only buying fair trade, this will mean different things to different people in what is their priority's. The good news is we are all working toward the same ultimate goals and that is peace in the world above all.

Alternative Education

Many people choose to send their children to special schools like waldorf and montessori. Others will choose to home school and unschooled. The great thing is in this day and age we can be creative about or children's education's.

Overall natural family living is a lifestyle not just a trend though a lot of folks ended up here by way of current trends! Whatever the reason it is worth it to most. We are the future of the earth and our children.