Customer Reviews

The Whole Parenting Guide: Strategies, Resources and Inspiring Stories for Holistic Parenting and Family Living

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This isn't a bad book - in fact, it's a GREAT choice as a gift to a mainstream parent who is "teetering on the edge" of becoming a more alternative parent. It is NOT the best choice for the already-alternative parent.

This book has a very well written section on feeding your family healthy, organic foods. It explains why organic is better, offers alternatives for buying organic and whole foods less expensively, and has good nutrition information. It also has interesting sections on what you should allow your children to view on TV and in movies, educating your children, and earth conservation.

Strangely, although this book seems to want to be a guide for the "natural" family, it has sections emphasizing the benefits and importance of vaccinations. It also extols the religious virtues of circumcision. I found these two viewpoints in opposition to the rest of the book. There isn't even the slightest hint of suggestion that there ARE reasons to be concerned about vaccinations.

I was disappointed that this book wasn't all that I wanted it to be. For families who find themselves in the space between "Mainstream" and "Alternative", it might be a very good option. It would probably be valuable to demonstrate to mainstream family members that some of your beliefs aren't completely "out there."

"Family life is transforming for the better for millions of American parents and children. They examine what mainstream society hands down as received parenting wisdom with a critical eye. They welcome the unconventional, as long as it works." And that's what this rich parenting book that advocates whole parenting is all about. It embraces what many in the recent past had thrown out as primitive--natural birthing, breastfeeding, natural healthcare and holistic nutrition. The authors examine the historical issues that contributed to the development of parenting styles from the turn of the century on and discusses how "cultural creatives" came to be. These are families hoping to instill progressive values in their kids in the face of commercialism, prejudice, drugs, inadequate public education and a whole host of other modern issues. This book pledges to help parents sort through the alternative parenting ideas and find the ones that truly hold some answers for today's parents. It lives up to it's goal marvelously. This book recommends natural, organic and healthful eating and touches briefly on health, ethics and environment concerns as they relate to vegetarianism.

This excellent book has parenting information for families who are pondering pregnancy, planning for birth, and for those engaged in actual parenting. There is wonderful information on nurturing children's physical, mental, spiritual and social natures. The inclusive nature of this book will be appealing to diverse families. I particularly like the concern for parenting that not only promotes optimum growth of children but also includes concern for community & the planet.

This is a superb book...I recommend it both as a professional and also personally as a grandmother and concerned world citizen!

although i am not yet blessed to be a parent, i was entranced by this delicious book & felt compelled to invest in it now. i have enjoyed exploring different topics contained within & though i agree it is not quite as comprehensive as i would wish nor is it coming from quite the same center i am, it has truly been a delight! i must admit a big part of handing over the $20 for it was the wonderful resources listed at the end of each section. i truly believe being a part of children's development is one of the most amazing gifts we're given in this life & my heart swells with this collection that seems to echo that sentiment.