The theory behind the natural parenting method's philosophy is centered around the babies (what isn't, am I right?). However, instead of them taking front & center stage in getting everything they want whenever they want it, this philosophy is focused on meeting babies' and children's human needs - in the most basic and primal way. It means being in tune with your child and using your intuition regardless of what other parents, schools, or parenting resources say.
This brings us to the sometimes complex balance of your and your child's independence, freedom, and closeness.
I deeply appreciate the freedom to speak my mind about parenting ideas I have, and that can only come from the closeness I share with my handsome man. I am proud, of how as a young family we're taking up unconventional approaches to parenthood, which gets me thinking a lot about independence and how blessed we are to have it.
The word independence can have a bit of a conflicted connotation, especially as it seems to be used a lot lately. For one, we can think of independence as aloneness, or simply not dependent on anyone. However, I don't think that anyone ever really acts alone in the endeavors to earn their independence and freedom. There first must be closeness and connection of several parties (a couple, a family, or a whole nation) and the togetherness within to break through any belief systems that have been placed upon us by the society and ourselves.
And of course, with all the economical and ecological arguments flooding our media these days, we are all certainly well aware that nothing acts independently of everything else.
