My parents embarked on their parenting journey in the ’70s. While they weren’t full-blown hippies, they certainly embraced many aspects of a holistic lifestyle, particularly when it came to health and wellness. My dad, a chiropractor, advocated for natural living long before it became fashionable. Now that my son has turned 2, I find myself navigating parenthood with a sense of confidence, yet I often fall short of my parents’ high standards.
I often wonder: Is it easier to prioritize organic living now, with the rise of health-food stores like Whole Foods, or was it simpler back in the ’70s and ’80s when life moved at a slower pace and distractions were minimal (looking at you, social media)? One thing is clear: my parents were champions of holistic living, while I sometimes feel downright lazy. Perhaps it’s natural for us to diverge from our parents’ philosophies, and maybe that’s perfectly fine.
Food Sources
Take, for example, our food sources:
- My parents cultivated a vast garden filled with tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, green beans, and rhubarb. I might be exaggerating, but I swear the garden was nearly an acre. My dad operated a small tractor for watering, weeding, and harvesting, while my mom spent countless hours canning their produce. They even had a dehydrator and a vacuum-sealer! In contrast, my attempt to grow parsley in a pot ended in disaster, leading me to abandon any hopes of gardening. Instead, I purchase most of our fruits and vegetables at the local supermarket, often settling for conventional options due to cost. Sorry, Mom and Dad.
- Vaccination was another contentious issue. My parents chose not to vaccinate my brother and me, mistrusting the practice long before it became a controversial topic. I admire their conviction, but navigating the education system without vaccinations felt like an uphill battle. My husband and I wrestled with the decision but ultimately opted to vaccinate our son for both medical and social reasons. Initially, we tried to space out his vaccinations, but that just meant more doctor visits and extra co-pays. We’ve now settled into the standard vaccine schedule recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics—just like most other parents. Sorry, Mom and Dad.
- When it came to sugar, my parents treated it like a taboo. Our breakfasts consisted of shredded wheat with only a drizzle of local honey, and dessert was typically fruit. I still remember the thrill of drinking 7UP on New Year’s Eve—it felt like a taste of heaven! However, once I hit college, I went wild in the cafeteria, indulging in Oreo ice cream for dinner and convenience-store Oreos as late-night snacks. I’ve decided that I want my son to enjoy treats in moderation, so he occasionally has Cheerios, cupcakes at birthday parties, and juice boxes without any guilt. Sorry, Mom and Dad.
- Lastly, my parents rejected cow’s milk, believing it wasn’t meant for humans. Instead, they opted for rice milk, which I initially followed for my son. However, after realizing its high sugar content and the concerns surrounding soy milk, we now serve him cow’s milk—even though it perplexes me at times. Sorry, Mom and Dad.
I truly appreciate the healthy foundation my parents provided. They instilled in me the importance of being mindful about what we consume. Nonetheless, I recognize that many kids grow up without ever tasting organic food and turn out just fine. In fact, their lack of “organic guilt” may even be healthier!
If you’re curious about alternative parenting methods, like home insemination, check out this post on the home insemination kit. For thorough insights on pregnancy, consider visiting the Mayo Clinic’s IVF page, which is an excellent resource. And for those looking into the world of artificial insemination, the impregnator at home insemination kit is worth reviewing.
Summary
In this reflective piece, a parent examines how their lifestyle contrasts sharply with their own “crunchy” upbringing. They navigate the challenges of modern parenting while acknowledging the values instilled by their parents, including gardening, vaccination, dietary choices, and more. Ultimately, they recognize that diverging from parental ideals can be both normal and beneficial.
Keyphrase: parenting contrasts
Tags: [“home insemination kit” “home insemination syringe” “self insemination”]