Welcome to the "I'm a Natural Parent — BUT..." Carnival
This post was written for inclusion in the carnival hosted by The Artful Mama and Natural Parents Network. During this carnival our participants have focused on the many different forms and shapes Natural Parenting can take in our community.
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we use disposable diapers at night. Our cloth diapers (BumGenius 4.0’s plus a few econobum’s) get used a lot but when we’re away from home for a day or more we use disposables. Also, Devon’s a heavy wetter at night, he leaks through everything so we use disposables to keep from changing our bed sheets every day since we co-sleep.
I’m a natural parent - BUT…
I use disposable menstrual products. I know there are lots of natural moms that like cloth pads or the DivaCup but it’s not for me. Luckily though, I haven’t had to worry about that since Devon was born; because I’m nursing two kiddos I haven’t gotten my period back…yet.
we’re looking at buying a second car. Yup, the days of being a one car family are numbered. Usually if I need the car we’ll just bring Aaron back to work after lunch and then pick him up after. During the warmer months he’d ride his bike to and from work but we’re not winter bike riders. Since Tyler’s decided he wants to take naps again (Yay!) we’re having a more difficult time doing the car switch since he usually naps between 11:00 and 1:00. So, we knew we wouldn’t always be a one car family and we’re glad we could do it for a while but it’s time to look at getting another. We’ll still ride bikes to pick up our CSA, to festivals in town, and lot of other stuff but a second car will be nice.
I’m a natural parent - BUT…
we eat out way too much! I try to encourage healthy foods for both us and the kids but it doesn’t always work. Sometimes it’s been a crazy day at home and I don’t feel like cooking and other times it’s planned that we’ll eat out to save time so we can get somewhere quickly, like to music class. But we’re trying to do better! We’ve signed up for a CSA so we’ll get lots of fresh produce this summer and that makes it easier to whip up a stir fry or try something new we’d never try otherwise!
I’m a natural parent - BUT…
we vaccinate our kiddos. We’ve decided to do a delayed schedule, the Dr. Sears schedule. This is what we’re comfortable with but I know it’s a sensitive topic for many families so I urge you to do your own research and make your own informed decision.
I sometimes forget to bring in reusable shopping bags when getting groceries. I wish they’d charge for the plastic bags instead of giving 5¢ off for each bag, that’s just like a coupon and I’m no good with coupons! Aaron just told me that plastic shopping bag use dropped 90% in Ireland when they started charging 15¢ per bag! And by the way, you can get your own Daisy Pedals reusable bag by clicking the “Buy Now” icon in the side bar! Hint, hint.
I’m a natural parent - BUT…
I still use lots of terrible chemicals to clean our house. I’m trying really really hard to switch over to more natural methods but since I had stocked up on some things we’re just using up the last of some cleaners. Once we switch over completely, I'll set up little baskets with a natural all purpose cleaner and some cloth rags, one on each level (one in each bathroom and on in the kitchen).
If you enjoyed this post please leave a comment! You can also ‘like’ Daisy Pedals on Facebook or subscribe by email or an rss reader in the sidebar.
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This carnival was created by The Artful Mama and Natural Parents Network. We recognize that "natural parenting" means different things to different families, and we are dedicated to providing a safe place for all families, regardless of where they are in their parenting journeys.
Please take time to read the submissions by the other carnival participants:
(This list will be live and updated by afternoon February 26 with all the carnival links.)
- My kid is a technophile — Jenn at Monkey Butt Junction hasn't turned in her natural parenting card yet, even though her son prefers electronic toys
- I'm a Natural Parent, but...I use medicine! — Adrienne at Mommying My Way admits that while she hesitates to do so, sometimes she does give her son some medicine when his symptoms get really bad.
- I'm Only Half Planning a Natural Birth — Shannon at The Artful Mama discloses how she is planning her semi-natural hospital birth and still dares to call herself a Natural Parent.
- Why we aren't rear facing — Shannon at Pineapples & Artichokes talks about her decision to turn her one-year-old daughter's carseat around, and how the argument always given for extended rear facing makes her feel.
- Musings of an Almost Crunchy Momma — Valerie at Momma in Progress re-examines her list of natural parenting litmus tests.
- Natural Parenting Does Not Equal Perfect Parenting — Jennifer at Hybrid Rasta Mama admits to several not-so-natural parenting and lifestyle practices.
- 10 Reasons to Revoke My Natural Parent Card — Laura at WaldenMommy: Life Behind the Red Front Door discusses why some of her less-than-crunchy practices are better for her family.
- I'm a Natural Parent - BUT... MacNCheese is Awesome. — Jennifer at True Confessions of a Real Mommy reveals her penchant for some far from healthy eating, cheap food recipes.
- Crunchy on the Inside — Wolfmother at Fabulous Mama Chronicles muses about how the stereotype of a natural parent does not do justice to the very dynamic group that this parenting philosophy attracts.
- My Reality — Megan from The Other Baby Book confesses a few things about her parenting.
- I'm Crunchy But... — Christy at Mommy Outnumbered shares confessions on all of her "non" crunchy ways.
- I'm A Natural Parent, But...it took me awhile — It took Kerry at City Kids Homeschooling awhile before fully understanding and appreciating Natural Parenting.
- I Am Not a Perfect Natural Parent — Momma Jorje shares her dirty little secrets as a mostly natural parent.
- Crunchy, But Not Crunchier Than Thou — Instead of comparing yourself to others, Dionna at Code Name: Mama encourages you to give yourself permission to be as crunchy as you can for right now.
- I’m a natural parent but…I love bedtimes — Terri at Child of the Nature Isle would never let her children cry-it-out, but she has a selection of other methods to encourage early bedtimes.
- I'm a Natural Parent - BUT... — Lani at Boobie Time Blog believes that following the principles of Natural Parenting doesn't mean you fit a stereotypical mold of societal view.
- Confessions of a Low Supply Mom — Mandy at Living Peacefully with Children confesses her insecurities about being a low supply mom.
- I'm a natural parent, but. . . — Not eating her placenta is just one of the ways Ashley at Mama Raw falls short at being a natural parent.
- I'm a Natural Parent But...I have a Few Confessions — Kat at Loving {Almost} Every Moment strives to be a Natural Mama, but wait, she has a few confessions!
- I'm a Natural Parent BUT — Carrie at LoveNotesMama confesses her gratitude for disposable diapers.
- Intestinal Dissection — Melissa from White Noise talks about how imperfection can be beautiful when it is buffered with love.
- How much sugar is too much? — Tat at Mum in Search shares how her no-sugar policy evolved into a balancing act, with the balance point not where she'd like to see it.
- I'm a Natural Parent, but. . . — Amyables at Toddler In Tow talks about three of her parenting habits that are not super "natural."
- Minus Ten Crunchy Points — Joella at Fine and Fair discusses how some of her parenting choices seen as "too crunchy" by those she knows in real life could get her kicked out of the crunchy mom clubs online.
- The Natural Parent "Model" — Kym at Our Crazy Corner of the World talks about her love for not-so-natural cosmetics and beauty products.
- Nice to meet you. — Eileen at Love & Greens talks about how being a natural mama means something different to her every day.
- I’m a natural parent…BUT… — Ashley at Daisy Pedals touches on several natural parenting topics; from cloth diapers to cleaning with natural cleaners.
- I'm a natural parent, but you'd be surprised — Lauren at Hobo Mama confesses to liking diet soda and TV and having lost all her reusable shopping bags.
- I’m a Natural Parent, but…. I don’t shop local — Luschka at Diary of a First Child confesses one of her greatest 'natural' failures - she doesn't shop local and support her community, despite wishing she could.
- Who You Callin' Natural? (a Carnival of Natural Parenting Contribution) — A bit of premise exposition, some tongue-in-cheek filler, and a photographic list of all the ways Embrita Blogging cheats at being natural.
- Dirty Secrets of a Green & Natural Mama (and Why I'm Not Afraid to Share Them!) — Charise at I Thought I Knew Mama shares her definition of what it means to be a perfect mama as well as a few of her dirty little secrets.
- Green Mommy Guilt — Jen at Jen and Joey Green talks about how being a perfect Green Mom is overrated.
- Life Coping Devices — Amy at Anktangle discusses two ("non-AP") coping strategies her family has used for getting through difficult times with her son: the pacifier and the stroller.
- We use disposable diapers. There. I said it. — The mama at Our Muddy Boots shares a bed, nurses her 4 year old, is vegetarian, and is committed to homeschooling; but Pampers adorn her child's bottom. Ugh!
- Committed to Cloth, but... — Sheila at A Living Family affirms her love of cloth diapering, despite the draw of disposables.
- Natural Parenting as a Doorway to Deep Truths — Amy from Peace for Parents guest posts at Natural Parents Network and shares how for her "natural parenting" is much less about a definition and much more an avenue to explore truths of life.
- Chicken No-nos — Jessica at Pace Family Place strives to live naturally but feeds her oldest son some not-so natural things
That makes me feel better. i eat out way too much and still use disposables at night also.
ReplyDeleteI haven't found a cloth diaper that doesn't leak and since the kiddos are with us in bed I especially want something that is leakproof! Of course I want them to be comfortable and dry but I get crabby if I get peed on while I'm sleeping! :)
DeleteSome comments on a vax thread are actually what prompted this carnival - it's just such a loaded, personal topic, one I would hope most parents - even crunchy ones - would remember to respect others who have taken time to research and make the decision for their own families!
ReplyDeleteI didn't know that a vaccine conversation prompted this. I do think it is one of those hot topics that can get people so upset. I do hope people take the time to research for their own families and decide for themselves. And let others do the same.
DeleteThat is a super cute bag! And the CSA will be awesome - ours does force us out of our comfort zone and I think I may actually be starting to like beets because of it :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks! I'm looking forward to the CSA too, I love trying things we don't usually buy at the store but I'm not sure about the beets! Those usually get sent to my grandma, she loves them!
DeleteOK, I was trying to focus on your writing but just kept thinking, "Her name's Ashley, and my name's Ashley. And her husband's name is Aaron, and my husband's name is Aaron." :)
ReplyDeleteThat's so funny! The kiddos are asleep so I finally have a little quiet time to do some reading, so I'm heading over to your post now!
DeleteThank you for your honesty! I'm with you on several of these things. We use disposable diapers at night, and we also eat out a lot. I buy all organic for our home, and I rationalize that that gives us a free pass to eat out and order in ;-)
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to have found your blog through the carnival and I'm now following you on FB :-)
Thanks for your comment Charise. The carnival has been a great way to see lots of other blogs!
DeleteI think your choices have to fit in to your lifestyle, otherwise they become a burden and you'll soon give them all up, personally. Making changes as and where you can is ideal... that way it becomes a lifestyle. I'm with you on the reusable shopping bags though! In South Africa you now buy your plastic bags - it doesn't stop most people, because it's not a recycling culture, but it does make a difference, and every little helps! Great contribution to the carnival!
ReplyDeleteI agree, once things become a burden you give up completely. I always say that we do what's right for our family at this point in time. And yes, every little bit helps!
DeleteWe have a 5 cent charge per plastic bag here and if I forget my own bags I have been know to walk out of the store with everything in my hands/arms (obviously not when I am doing a large shopping trip!)
ReplyDeleteHa! I would totally do that too! If I wasn't carrying one or two kids too! :)
DeleteI use disposible pads and would love to switch too. Its the little things at a time, but Natural Living isnt an all inclusive thing, and at least your mindful of the things you do and do not do. You do the best you can for your family.
ReplyDeleteYup, the little things add up. And we just have to continually grow on what we're already doing. Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteMy son is also a heavy wetter and have to change him throughout the night even in disposables! There simply is no winning with him. We also use disposables when going out or for overnight stays (not cool doing laundry at other people's houses for only a night methinks). We do what works for us at the time.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad to not have to wake up to change diapers at night anymore. Maybe an overnight disposable would work? Good luck!
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