Growing up in Eugene, Oregon, it’s no surprise that I developed some holistic habits. My mother often enhanced my yogurt with wheat germ, and my chocolate chip cookies were made with carob and zucchini. I never intended to embrace a “crunchy” parenting style, but before I knew it, I found myself critiquing my efforts and feeling inadequate in my choices.
We frequented the farmer’s market, eliminated high fructose corn syrup, diluted their juice, and banned artificial sweeteners from our home. I sourced grass-fed beef and hormone-free milk. As our family expanded from one child needing packed snacks to three, I invested in BPA-free containers and fabric snack bags. I even allowed one Capri Sun alongside a stainless steel water bottle to give my children a taste of normalcy.
Then came the unsettling articles about BPA-free containers leaching chemicals. My once-judgmental self, who carefully avoided paraben-laden products, snapped in disbelief. “What do you mean they’re leaching chemicals?” I had thrown away plastics, embraced BPA-free alternatives, and felt secure in my choices.
Not long after, the hormone-free lunch meat I had proudly purchased was recalled. I had convinced myself that by opting for higher-priced, stricter choices, I was ensuring my children’s safety. “No carcinogens here,” I thought—only to be mistaken.
So, I resolved to switch to metal and glass containers. Glass can shatter, and metal has its drawbacks too. “Maybe paper? No, plastic? Perhaps it’s best to let them choose.”
You know what? I surrender. I’m tired of obsessing over paraben-free shampoos. I don’t want to buy produce that ends up molding before we even use it. I’m weary of my children seeing others enjoy fruit snacks and then turning to me with disappointed looks to say, “Um, I don’t really like these.”
I no longer care about the price of groceries; my sanity is far more valuable than the occasional sip of milk with rbST or a snack pouch containing a little HFCS. A friend pointed out, “At the end of the day, your kids are going to school with food to eat.” A valid observation.
This school year, I’m taking a different approach—not because I love my kids less, but rather because I realize I need to ease up. So, let’s raise a juice box and a pre-packaged snack bag to toast the new school year with a comforting reminder: “It’s going to be ok.”
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Summary
Embracing a balanced perspective in parenting involves letting go of rigid standards and acknowledging that perfection is unattainable. By prioritizing mental well-being over strict dietary rules, parents can foster a healthier environment for their children.