Green Child Magazine Fall 2012 | Page 14

ne Zo entarenting gm P Judvigate Holistic Noa N ow to H The journey to motherhood begins with a thousand choices. Once you become a parent, it seems that every topic - from what to eat to how to discipline your little one – is open season. And, if you decide to venture down a less traditional, holistic path and seek out natural, integrative therapies or healthy lifestyle options, the challenge, and the unwelcome advice, increases exponentially. Whether you are opting for a natural childbirth, choosing homeopathic remedies for your kids, or seeking out organic produce at a local farmer’s market, you will suddenly discover that “non-mainstream” choices can cast you as a rebel in the parenting world. Even family members and friends may question and criticize your choices, making the motherhood journey all the more challenging. By Nancy Massotto Founder & Executive Director of the Holistic Moms Network 2. Educate (without being a naysayer yourself). Resist the temptation to simply roll your eyes when you are reproached by your well-meaning mother-in-law who loves the mantra, “Well, we all turned out fine.” Take the opportunity to explain