A parent child relationship can be tricky thing–for some it brings up feelings of security and unconditional love, but for others it’s filled with resentment and discontent. Maybe it’s aggravating and brimming with tension. For many of us, it’s somewhere in between.

No matter the current state of your relationship, there are steps you can take to improve a parent child relationship.

Examine Your Negative Feelings

If a parent child relationship brings up negative feelings, take a few minutes to meditate on why. What’s the cause of the deep seated aggravation? Have you looked at your parent’s perspective? When it comes to your relationship with your parents, are you taking their needs into account or are you putting your needs ahead of them? When we were younger, we expected our parents to take care of us and now as those roles begin to switch, it can be difficult to absorb.

Respect Your Parents Like You Would a Good Friend

Treat your parents with the same respect that you would a good friend. This attitude helps to stave off any tendency to correct and jump on your parents when they say something you consider offensive. Respect and understand the generation gap.

Improve a parent child relationship by respecting personality differences as you would in a good friend. You wouldn’t constantly criticize a friend for welcoming clutter, for example. So don’t attack your parents for the same issue.

Establish Ground Rules

By establishing ground rules, you avoid the need for awkward arguments later on. If your parents know they have to call before dropping by, then you’re a lot less likely to have to deal with resentment when they pop in unexpectedly. If they know you don’t want them disciplining your children when you’re present, it can stave off unnecessary conflict. Whatever your particular rules, knowing ahead of time relieves tension in the moment.

Related on EcoSalon

The One and Only: Is Having an Only Child Better for Parents and the Planet?

Pregnant Mothers Choosing Not to Parent Additional Children

An Ode to a Father Daughter Bond

Image: Lars Ploughmann

The post How to Improve a Parent Child Relationship appeared first on EcoSalon.

New Age in the new age.

Event: Liveblogging Maidon’s first sexual encounter. October 22nd, 9:30 EST.

Your response: Maybe attending.

Hi everyone! Just wanted to send out a quick reminder to all of you “maybes” out there that this weekend is the big day and how much it would mean to Maidon if you could share in this family moment with us. I know how busy all of you are! However, those of you who were lucky enough to co-experience Maidon’s natural home birth with us certainly won’t want to miss out on her entrance into reproductive maturity. Circle of life!

A lot of people have been asking us why we chose to live blog and simulcast (via Skype for all you international attendees! I’m looking at you, Aunt Denise!) Maidon’s first intimate encounter rather than just releasing the traditional Twitter announcement or flock of white doves. Well, on one of the most recent Monday night drum circles, Ken challenged everyone in the family to pioneer ways to improve our SEO practices and drive traffic in the coming year. Someone certainly earned the Medicine Wheel of Facilitated Expression that week!

Those of you who attended Parrish’s first birthday party/anti-circumcision demonstration a few years ago will remember how precious these live-streamed shared experiences can be (not to mention the keepsake crocheted foreskin cozies). Who could forget last year’s ultra-marathon to beat menopause we launched on Kickstarter? Or Ken’s vasectomy gluten-free bake sale? These are treasured moments in our family history that are all the richer for being available online in incredible detail for anyone to see, whether friend, relative, neighbor, colleague or spambot. That’s why we add the name of every unique visitor to our blog on the Bailey family quilt. We couldn’t do this without you, MarinDad47.

Afterwards there will be a small ceremony as we share the remaining freeze-dried strips of placenta jerky that Migda, our family doula, prepared after Maidon expressed her autonomy in transitioning “out” of my uterus. Please feel free to stay as we compost the remnants of Maidon’s hymen and use it to sustain the seedlings in her Garden of Self-Nourishing Womanhood, formerly Ken’s heritage chard plot. Commemorative photos and homemade quince jelly will be available for those of you with placental allergies.

Blessings to you all, and don’t forget to tweet, retweet, stumble, digg, star, review on Yelp, like, tumble, post, repost, check in, share, upmod and upvote!

Image: webtreats

The post You Have an Evite from the Baileys! appeared first on EcoSalon.

Don’t accuse me of sacrilege by pushing babies as mere accoutrement, but I see so many adorable baby slings out there, who needs a pretty purse with a pet chihuahua?

In fact, I’m almost ready to ready myself (and my uterus) for one of my own just so I can pick out a cute baby carrier. Almost.

With all the hoopla about attachment parenting and the positive potential for better everything if you carry your baby in a sling – how could I resist? But seriously, holding your little warm and cuddly close to your heart does sound sort of sensational, does it not?

It makes perfect sense that mommas everywhere are wearing their babies up close and personal. The benefits of babywearing include baby crying less and learning more – because living at mom and dad’s eye-level can’t help but involve and stimulate a baby more than laying or sitting in a crib or stroller.

Mod Mum Sling (above) – fawn&forest, $54.

How many times have you leaned down to interact with a baby? And if you aren’t leaning down, what does said baby experience? That’s right, your legs and a whole lot of nothing else. Being in a baby sling engages a baby rather than leaving it lonely.

And yes, I’ve read about the recalls and all I can say is tragic and troubling but please don’t throw away a wonderful way of connecting and being present for your baby without serious thought.

I believe being present is the best way to prevent such accidents from occurring, so please, if you plan to wear your baby in a sling, pay attention and stay connected, which is really the point, isn’t it?

Okay, now let’s have some fun and pick out the perfect accoutrement for your most precious accoutrement.

Market Sling (above) – Serena & Lily, $129.

Maya Wrap Ring Sling (above left) – Maya Wrap, $65.95.

Hemp Baby Ring Sling (above right) – Pretty Momma Sling, $92.

Mod Mum Sling (above) – fawn&forest, $54.

If the sling thing isn’t for you, ERGObaby makes a slew of front-carrier options that achieve the same positive effects as the sling.

ERGObaby Organic Carrier (above) – ERGObaby, $120-$148.

Moby Organic Stretchy Wrap (above left) – Peppermint, $59.95.

Beco Gemini Carrier (above right) – Peppermint, $129.

Market Sling (above) – Serena & Lily, $129.

Whether you fancy a ring, pouch, sling, wrap or front carrier, attaching your precious cargo to your body, leaving your hands free and fully focused, is simply smart and very present parenting. Try it with care.

The post Baby Wearing: Do You Sling? appeared first on EcoSalon.

You can’t go wrong with attachment parenting. It may be a relatively new practice in the Western world, but this type of parenting embraces the ancient art of maintaining a deep bond with your baby once he or she leaves the womb, allowing them to experience the world with a steady physical and emotional attachment to their parents. At its core, this style of parenting is as good for babies as it is for the earth. As a mother who is raising a toddler in this fashion with a newborn baby on the way, here’s why I believe attachment parenting is an amazing gift to children and the planet!

Some of the mainstays of the attachment parenting philosophy are: co-sleeping, babywearing, breastfeeding, parental interaction in place of toys, a gentle, realistic approach to discipline, and a back to basics mentality that puts the parent-child relationship above all else.

My daughter is almost three years-old, and I can honestly say that for the first two years of her life, I wondered whether I was doing the right thing by practicing attachment parenting. I have the luxury of working from home, so I have been able to dedicate this time to her upbringing; and while I have always known in my heart that I am making the right decisions raising her, there have been many naysayers, which have included close family members, along the way. Here’s a sampling of what I’ve been up against. “Co-sleeping? You’re asking for trouble!” “You’re her slave!” “You need to get her out of that baby carrier, stat!” “Just let her cry, it’s good for babies to cry.” Thankfully, my husband and I have always been on the same page with regard to our parenting choices, and we have been each others support system when times are tough.

And the full circle result has come to fruition. We have a confident, highly intelligent, loved and lovable, independent and inquisitive little girl who has blossomed due to our commitment to attachment parenting. We not only chose this route for her benefit, we chose it with the intention of preserving the environment as well. Here are five reasons why attachment parenting is good for mother earth:

No Crib Required: You can skip the need for a big clunky crib and co-sleep safely with your baby, or opt for a co-sleeper that attaches to your bed. I wish we had known this beforehand, because we bought the crib and the fancy bedding, and it never got used!

Less Toys, More Parental Interaction: There’s no need to spend money or precious resources on toys with bells, whistles and sirens. What baby most wants is your time and attention, and the precious experience of learning your face and your voice. You can read her The New York Times for all she cares, as long as you’re enlightening her and engaging her with your presence. Not to say a few choice toys won’t be enjoyed and cherished, but you’re by far baby’s favorite playmate.

Getting Back To Basics Requires Less Gadgetry: Baby monitors and bouncy chairs be gone. If you keep your baby close to you at all times, you can do away with a whole category of baby gear designed to take care of your child in your absence.

Breastfeeding Saves Resources: Eliminate the need to purchase formula and the need to wash and use bottles regularly. If you’re able to breastfeed your baby, nursing is the healthiest, least expensive and most eco-friendly way to nourish and bond with your baby.

The Art of Babywearing: Ditch the stroller and wear your baby close to your heart in an organic baby carrier. She’ll love seeing the world from your perspective, and you’ll be able to teach her and share with her much more readily when she is in such close proximity to you. My favorite baby carrier is the ERGOBaby Organic Baby Carrier.

For more information on Attachment Parenting visit Attachment Parenting International and Ask Dr.Sears.com.

Images: Beth Shea

The post Go On, Attach Yourself to Your Baby: It’s a Win-Win Situation appeared first on EcoSalon.

Years ago, when I was traveling in Peru, I became enamored with the way Andean women carried their babies – in blankets tied around their backs.

It made so much sense; after all, strollers are heavy, expensive and impossible to push up a mountain trail or crowded cobblestone mercado. The mamachas had their hands free and their young children were safe and secure, held so close to their mother’s body. I vowed then and there that if I ever had children, I’d wear them that way too.

And now that I’m a mom, that’s what I do; I wear my baby.

Easy and practical, babywearing is commonplace all over the world. The health benefits are many for both baby and mom.

Benefits for Baby:

Held babies cry much less than those kept in a crib or stroller.

Closeness to mom makes baby feel safe and secure.

Allows baby to see the world the way we do, rather than through the bars of a crib or at knee-level in a stroller.

Baby’s temperature, heart rate and breathing are better regulated when they’re close to another human body.

Proximity to mom makes it easier to get needs met.

Baby gets to bond with you, not toys and furniture!

Benefits for Mom:

Increased bonding and communication with baby.

With your hands free and your child happy, it’s easier to get things done!

Increase your core strength and get more exercise.

No need to struggle with heavy car seats or drag strollers out of the car.

Discreet and hands-free nursing.

It’s easier to play with your toddler while holding your baby close to you. Keeping both kids happy is priceless.

Your baby is closer to you, thereby easier to hug and kiss! (And isn’t that what it’s all about?)

And of course, it’s good for the environment!

Babywearing is stylish, too. Gone are the days of clunky baby backpacks. Now you can get downright sassy with the fashion, with slings coming in every kind of cloth, print and style imaginable. Mamas: wear your baby and show the world your eco-friendly, down-to-earth values, too.

The sling I use: Baby K’Tan

Highly recommended by friends: Moby Wrap and Maya Wrap

Great for dads: Baby K’Tan and Baby Bjorn

And for the crafty among you who’d prefer to make your own: DIY baby carrier links.

The post The Healthy Habit of Babywearing appeared first on EcoSalon.