What is this general method of education: a tribute to fashion, fanaticism, or just a correct and logical way of life? Let’s try to figure it out.
It is also called natural or natural education. The basis is trust and only trust between the parents and the child. The kid does not become the center of the universe, but simply one of the family members to be reckoned with. And at any age.
“A child, even at two weeks, already has not only natural needs, but also feelings,” a friend who follows this method of upbringing tells me one of the postulates. –
The basic principles are based on creating the most natural conditions for upbringing and development for the child. Some of them are certainly good. Others, in our opinion, are controversial and give off fanaticism.
The worst thing is when natural mothers begin to impose their principles on others. Although they themselves are often not very well versed in the method. So remember: everything is good in moderation.
Feels like life
“What does it mean to feed a baby on demand? – the mother-in-law of one of my friends was indignant. – He should develop a nutritional regimen from birth! “
“Natural” moms think differently. They listen to the wishes and needs of the baby: they feed when he gets hungry, put him to bed when he gets tired.
On the one hand, this is good. Even in maternity hospitals are now advocating for on-demand feeding. But only if the baby is breastfed. Children who eat the mixture are strongly advised to give it strictly on time.
The value of milk
WHO recommends breastfeeding for at least six months. Natural parents add: the longer the better. They do not shy away from offering a child “sissy” at two and three years old. How to relate to this, everyone decides for himself. Doctors do not see harm in this, while psychologists talk about satisfying the biological need to constantly be with mom.
At the same time, pacifiers are not welcomed as a potential threat to the bite and the correct course of feeding. They do not forcibly wean from the breast, they wait for the child to give up on his own.
Always be together
There are two ways to satisfy this need. First, sleeping together. True, not everyone who practices it is a “natural scientist.” Personally, it was just more convenient for me. But in the end, everyone was happy. By the way, if you are sick of finding a baby in a matrimonial bed, you can move his crib close to your own and remove the side wall. Everyone will stay on their own territory.
The second way is to carry the baby in your arms. Contrary to the indignant “the child will be tame.” Need free hands – master the sling. By the way, it is a whole science to study all the ways of its “winding”.
Do not cry, do not forbid
Another postulate of our grandmothers: crying louder, lungs work better. And in the eyes of “natural scientists” a cry is always a call for help, and if you do not respond to it, there will be no mutual understanding.
In addition, in their understanding, infancy is an age of development, and not of prohibitions. It is forbidden? Get it out of sight, don’t slap your hands. On the pope? Sadists! It is necessary to educate gently, with the help of conversations, and not shouts, threats and intimidation.
“It’s better to reward good behavior ten times than to scold once for bad behavior,” a friend explains to me.
Pedagogical complementary foods
Based on a toddler’s interest in adult food. Manifested? We give a micro dose. It does not injure the body in any way, but it is easier for the child to switch to regular food. The principle is good if the child is not prone to allergies.
I give birth myself
Naturalists advocate pregnancy and childbirth with minimal or no medical intervention. They are supposed to take place in a calm and supportive environment. We will not voice what doctors think on this score, who have to deal with the consequences of childbirth at home.
Refusal of vaccination
The topic is controversial. As they say on the Internet, “holivar”. Taking into account the Russian specifics, here, as in the topic of childbirth, you can collect a huge number of arguments, both “for” and “against”. But official medicine, of course, does not approve of refuseniks. Like anyone who knows what herd immunity is and who has seen the statistics on the incidence of infectious diseases.
Pampers – no
They believe that babies should be planted in a pot from the very first weeks of life. Disposable diapers are rejected as unsustainable and even unhealthy. Pediatricians, in turn, believe that everything has its time. The child must mature to the pot. So from regular “pee-pee” over the sink reflexes are not developed.
Refusal from unjustified interference
It’s not just about medicine. These are nipples, and strollers, and cribs, and playpens. In general, according to these parents, the child should not be alone in a confined space. That is, he has every reason to live in an absolutely free environment, like adults. It is impossible to limit his freedom.
It can’t be hard with a child
And if it’s hard, then you are doing something wrong. No need to fuss around him. Realize yourself as a woman, as a specialist, as an educated person. And then you realize yourself as the correct calm mother, with whom the baby will take an example.
What to read on the topic
1. William and Martha Sears. “Your child is from birth to two years old.”
2. Jean Ledloff. “How to Raise a Happy Child. The principle of continuity ”.
3. Ingrid Bauer. “No diapers!”