Back in the groovy ’70s, my parents embarked on their journey of parenthood, embracing a lifestyle filled with health-conscious choices. While they weren’t exactly flower children, they adopted many of the holistic habits synonymous with that era. My father, a chiropractor, was a firm believer in natural living long before it became a buzzword. Now that my son has just turned 2, I find myself navigating the parenting journey and realizing that I’m nowhere near the benchmark my parents set.
I often wonder whether it’s easier to lean towards a natural lifestyle today, with health-food megastores like Whole Foods sprouting up everywhere, or if it was simpler back in their day when life moved at a slower pace and distractions were fewer (looking at you, social media!). What I do know is that my parents were practically pioneers in holistic living, while I can be downright lazy. Perhaps it’s a rite of passage for every generation to diverge from their parents’ ideologies, and maybe that’s perfectly alright.
For instance:
- Gardening Glory vs. Grocery Runs:
My parents had an impressive backyard garden—think tomatoes, cucumbers, and squash galore. I’m not exaggerating when I say it felt like an acre of flourishing veggies. My dad was a maestro with his tractor, and my mom would spend hours canning their harvest. In contrast, my attempt at growing parsley in a pot ended in failure, and I quickly surrendered to the convenience of the local supermarket, where organic options are often too pricey. Sorry, Mom and Dad! - Vaccination Views:
My parents opted not to vaccinate my brother and me, a decision made long before it became a hot topic of debate. While I admire their conviction, navigating the education system without vaccinations was quite a challenge. In the end, my husband and I decided to vaccinate our son, primarily for practical reasons. We initially tried a delayed schedule but quickly learned that meant more doctor visits and more germs, so we’re now adhering to the standard vaccination timeline recommended by pediatricians. Sorry, Mom and Dad! - Sugar Restrictions:
To my parents, processed sugar was practically a crime. Our breakfasts consisted of plain shredded wheat with a drizzle of honey, and dessert was typically fruit. I still remember the thrill of drinking 7UP on New Year’s Eve—it felt like a taste of heaven! Fast forward to college, and I went wild with all-you-can-eat buffets, leading to the infamous “Oreo Overload” of my freshman year. Now, I try to strike a balance for my son, allowing him the occasional treat like Cheerios and cupcakes at parties. Sorry, Mom and Dad! - Dairy Decisions:
In Wisconsin, where dairy reigns supreme, my parents took a stand against cow’s milk, opting for rice milk instead. As I transitioned my son from breastfeeding, I initially followed suit until I realized the sugar content in rice milk. Now, we’ve made the leap to cow’s milk, which still boggles my mind. Sorry, Mom and Dad!
Don’t get me wrong; I appreciate the healthy foundation my parents laid for me. They instilled in me the importance of mindful eating, which I now carry into my child’s life. However, I’ve come to realize that many kids grow up without a single organic meal and turn out just fine—perhaps even without the weight of “organic guilt.”
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In summary, while I may not live up to my parents’ holistic ideals, I’m carving out my own parenting path, one that balances tradition with modern convenience. And perhaps that’s the most important lesson of all.