Meeting the needs of our children is complex; we know that building a secure, trusting relationship with them is incredibly important, however beyond that our responsibility can be unclear. Holistic parenting presents a comprehensive approach to providing children with the guidance and support they need to thrive on all levels. This article will explore how to nurture our children’s wellbeing through holistic parenting.
1. What is Holistic Parenting?
Holistic parenting is an approach to child rearing that seeks to nurture a child’s physical, mental, emotional and spiritual development. It argues that children should be cared for in a way that focuses on the whole person and encourages the individual’s development in each of these areas. Holistic parenting takes into account all the influences in a child’s life, from their peers and community to their parents’ own values and lifestyle.
Holistic parenting is largely about listening to and respecting a child’s individual needs. By supporting their experiences, such as their emotions, ideas and dreams, holistically-minded parents can help them to develop a healthy self-image and strong sense of self-confidence. At the same time, the holistic approach also encourages parents to provide appropriate guidance and support as their children explore their world.
Key Elements of Holistic Parenting
- Ensuring physical safety
- Encouraging autonomy and independence
- Demonstrating respect and empathy
- Fostering communication and collaboration
- Practicing tolerance and nonjudgmentalism
- Providing spiritual guidance
Holistic parenting encourages parents to involve their children in their decision-making process. This means providing them with the opportunity to voice their opinions and feelings, and helping them to understand the consequences of their decisions, good and bad. Holistic parenting also involves teaching children problem-solving skills and the importance of responsible behavior.
At the heart of holistic parenting is the idea that children should be encouraged to find their own unique path in life. This approach acknowledges and respects each individual’s choices and strengths as it provides the necessary guidance to help them develop into well-rounded, self-confident adults.
2. Developing an Emotional Connection with Your Child
When you can develop an emotional connection with your child, it will help strengthen your bond and create an environment where they feel safe to express their feelings. Here are a few tips to help you build that relationship:
- Spend quality time together. Don’t let the diversity of activities you both enjoy get in the way of really connecting with each other.
- Create a comfortable and safe environment. Let your child know that they can talk about anything that’s worrying them without fear of being judged.
- Don’t forget to have fun. Be playful, joke around, and, most of all, let your child feel that it’s ok to be who they are.
Expressing love is very important for an emotional connection. But you can also show your care without using words. Take care of yourself and your child’s physical needs first. A warm hug can express immense amounts of love, as can other caring gestures like braiding your daughter’s hair, carrying your son on your shoulders, or taking a walk with your entire family.
Skype: If you have a busy schedule and you don’t get to spend much time with your child, set up a Skype call once a week. This is a great way to stay connected with your child even when you’re away.
- Plan surprises. Whether it’s a surprise dinner or a birthday present for your child, it’s the little things that make them feel special and your effort will be appreciated.
- Understand and support. Acknowledge your child’s feelings, help them find a way to solve a problem or deal with a conflict.
The key to creating an emotional connection with your child is to show them that they are valued and loved. To make them feel like they matter and that their worries and needs won’t be ignored. Above all, that when they feel like there’s nothing else in this world, they have a loving home to come back to.
3. Enhancing Physical Health & Mental Wellbeing in a Holistic Way
It goes without saying, that physical health and mental wellbeing are of the utmost importance to maintain a balanced life. What is lesser known however, is the fact that our physical and mental states are naturally connected, and to secure true wellness we must consider the two states holistically. Here are a few strategies to achieve just that.
1. Meditation
- Choose a comfortable area and position
- Focus on deep, regular breathing
- Take a few moments to relax and clear your mind
Meditation helps to realign your thoughts and emotions, and improve mental wellbeing. Research has even confirmed that mindful breathing can lower cortisol levels and thus reduce physical stress.
2. Movement
- Engage in physical activities like yoga, walking, or cycling
- Choose activities that are enjoyable and involve a sense of accomplishment
- Adjust intensity of the movement accordingly
Physical activities releases endorphins, our body’s natural feel-good hormones. Taking up physical activities will build strength and stamina, but it also helps to lower stress symptoms, and improve your mental well-being.
3. Self-Care
- Recognize triggers that cause physical and mental exhaustion
- Set personal boundaries when needed
- Allow yourself to rest
In a society that celebrates constant productivity, it is essential we make sure to look out for ourselves. Adequate rest is key to physical and mental wellbeing, so be sure to practice self-care and take time for yourself whenever needed.
By incorporating all three of these holistic strategies, your physical and mental health will become materially better. Positive energy and remarkable wellbeing are just around the corner. All that’s left to do is to make the first step.
4. Promoting Positive Holistic Habits in Children
Young children learn best through positive habits that foster their physical and mental development. To achieve this goal, parents and teachers should strive to promote holistic habits in children from an early age. Some important holistic habits to promote are eating healthy, physical activity, adequate sleep, and learning.
Eating Healthy
Eating healthy is essential for a child’s growth and development. Parents and teachers should encourage children to eat a variety of fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. They should also advise the children to limit their consumption of high-fat and sugary foods. Additionally, teaching children to cook healthy meals can give them a skill that will help them live a healthier lifestyle.
Physical Activity
Being physically active is an important habit for children to develop, as it provides children with physical and mental health benefits. Parents and teachers should encourage the children to take part in physical activities such as running, cycling, swimming, and team sports. Physical activity can also be incorporated into children’s everyday playtime, such as outdoor tag, playing hide and seek, and dancing.
Adequate Sleep
Getting enough sleep is also an important habit children need to learn. Children should be taught to establish a bedtime routine which should include a set time for falling asleep and waking up. To help children stick to their routine, activities such as reading and playing video games should be avoided a few hours before bedtime. Additionally, parents and teachers can set an example by having an established bedtime routine themselves.
Learning
Learning is also a holistic habit that should be fostered in all children. Parents and teachers should find activities and materials that help them learn such as educational toys, reading books, drawing, and making music. Encouraging children to explore and discover different subjects can help them build a habit of lifelong learning.
With holistic parenting, parents can tap into their inner wisdom and use their love for their children to cultivate emotional strength and resilience in them. By nurturing their children on all levels, parents can play an invaluable role in helping children reach their full potential and live content and joyful lives.
