Holistic Mothering

  What is holistic mothering?

It can’t be defined as clearly as some things, but it definitely has to do with a holistic mindset. Holistic mothering is as much about being a holistic person as it is about being a holistic parent. It’s nurturing your child’s mind, body and soul while feeding your own. This is no easy task! There are days where there aren’t enough hours or patience, but at the end of those days, if you have grace for yourself and your children, you’ll kiss and makeup and try again tomorrow.

Becoming a mother has taught me more about what I believe the heart of God is. My love for my girls overcomes all things; the hurt feelings, the poor behavior, the tantrums, the sleepless nights, the throwing of toys, the hurting other children….all things. I believe God has that kind of love for me. And now I believe it more. My heart for my children is like nothing I knew I possessed before they came into my life. To protect, honor, respect, cherish, raise, guide, educate, and enjoy…these are just some of my heart’s desires now.

Holistic parenting isn’t summed up by attachment parenting, co-sleeping, extended breastfeeding, alternative vaccination schedules, cloth diapering, baby led weaning or any combination of these (and other) practices. It’s trying my best every day, no matter what that “best” looks like. We all make choices each day. Holistic mothering is a practice of mindfulness in these choices. I believe my kids are worth me taking the time to be mindful of the choices I make for them and the choices I offer to them. So I try, I try really hard, to take that time, for them.

Speaking of holistic mothering, I am honored to have received a copy of The Mother magazine to review for you all. The Mother magazine is a UK magazine, which offers quirky language differences (that I personally love), education on so many subjects (Montessori, Over-Attachment Parenting, and Vaccination Education, to name a few) and a kinship with parents in general. There are very few advertisements, which I can’t say of many other magazines. Photographs are submitted by readers, so they’re very real, touching and artistic. How often do you feel at peace with yourself as a mother? How often do you read parenting articles and feel better instead of worse about your mothering style? As parenting magazines go, The Mother is inspiring, educational and kind. It would make a wonderful gift to yourself or any mother in your life! We can all use a little more kindness in our lives.

To read more about The Mother, including how to order a subscription or back issues, follow these links:

The Mother magazine www.themothermagazine.co.uk 
Croft House, Glassonby, near Penrith CA10 1DU Cumbria UK  Ph: +44 (0)1768 897 121
North American Publishing office: Contact Kathryn Los  www.themothermagazine.org
NEW! Out of stock issues NOW AVAILABLE as PDFs!: http://www.themothermagazine.co.uk/backissues/index.shtml