Sunday, February 26, 2012

I Am Not a Perfect Natural Parent


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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All too often, blogging moms can appear to be the picture of perfection. I hope you get a more balanced view of me here, since I do tend to share the uglier side of things as well. Still, this sounded like a fun carnival, especially since I've enjoyed chats with this same topic among my NP friends. So...

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I'm a Natural Parent, but...

We eat at McDonalds. In fact, my daughter loves french fries. Aside from cookies, I think they're her absolute favorite food!

We have at least one television (if not three!) turned on all. day. long. I don't like it this way, and it isn't all me. I'm not sure how to make it change, either, especially since Daddy loves him some TV (for PS3 games or NetFlix or whatever).

My husband smokes. I always feel like this is a dark, ugly secret for our family when it comes to my AP / NP friends. Yes, he smokes. No, he does not smoke in our home, but he used to. In fact, he recently switched to smoking eCigs most of the time. They don't smoke, so he can "smoke" them anywhere.

I exclusively used disposable diapers with Sasha. By the time I considered actually using cloth diapers, it was nearly too late and I couldn't afford the start up cost anyway. I'm very thankful to my NP friends for throwing me a surprise cloth baby shower, without which I would still be using disposables for Spencer.


Sasha sits in a car seat facing forward. I didn't hear of staying rear facing until we'd already turned her and I don't have any plans to switch her back. We'll probably leave Spencer rear facing for longer, but it depends on his car seat and how it can fit into our truck.

I really hesitate to share this one, but... I'm addicted to NesQuik! I remember reading something that maybe there was some false information that lead to the boycott, but really... I'm not making a political statement. I just love the stuff!

I almost never do crafts and I nearly obsess over mess when I do let my kids do any crafts.

I carry a "car seat bucket." I don't leave Spencer in it for long, but he is a Winter baby, dang it, and its easier to keep him warm in there.

I hope you don't think less of me. Some of these things do bring me a little guilt, but most of them are just the way I do things. I've certainly gone through times when I didn't want to admit things to my NP friends. I have since learned that they are an amazingly tolerant and understanding bunch... nonjudgmental, that is the word! They're supportive. Gotta love this here blogosphere when you can find a supportive community!

What parenting choices or other imperfections would you like to get off your chest?


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I'm a Natural Parent — But … Blog CarnivalThis 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:

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