When it comes to parenting, I’ve always leaned a little left of conventionality. Picture me as the mom with a three-year-old bundled in a vibrant Guatemalan wrap, while the mainstream parents are busy pushing their little ones in high-end Bugaboos (which can set you back nearly $1,050). I was one of the pioneers of cloth diapering when it involved pins and plastic covers, storing the soiled ones in a bleach-water bucket that could only be described as less than pleasant.
Now, embracing a hippie lifestyle has become quite fashionable. However, when I refer to “hippie,” I’m not talking about the stereotypical image of tie-dye shirts and incense. Instead, I’m discussing a unique approach to parenting that I’ve been practicing long before it became trendy to raise “free-range” kids.
As my children have grown, my approach to hippie parenting has evolved, and looking back, I realize that some of my ideas were destined to fail. If you’re contemplating or currently navigating the world of hippie parenting, here are some crucial lessons to keep in mind.
1. Carob Chips Are Not Chocolate
First off, your kids are likely not going to enjoy carob chips. Trust me, they are not chocolate and do not even come close in flavor. If your child happens to taste real chocolate, those carob chips will become a distant memory, destined for the compost bin. Honestly, there aren’t any organic “hippie” chips that even come close to being appealing. While options are improving, it’s a rare child that would choose a turnip-black bean-brown rice chip over a classic Dorito. If your child is adventurous enough to explore alternative snacks, present them with turnip chips as a badge of your hippie parenting prowess.
2. The Toilet Paper Dilemma
Next, let’s talk about toilet paper. In an eco-friendly moment, I decided that traditional toilet paper was a wasteful indulgence. I imagined all those trees sacrificed for the sake of cleanliness. My solution? Reusable wipes! I spent an entire day cutting and sewing flannel squares, ready to create an army of eco-friendly cleaning tools. I proudly presented them alongside a repurposed ketchup bottle filled with lavender-scented soapy cleaner. However, convincing my teenage kids to join the “save the trees” mission proved futile. The thought of using non-flushable wipes was too much for them to handle.
3. Personal Grooming Choices
And when it comes to personal grooming, keep in mind that it’s your choice whether to shave your armpits, legs, or bikini line. But your children might not appreciate your choices, especially in public. A trip to the pool can quickly turn awkward if you inadvertently expose unshaven areas while adjusting your swimsuit. Your explanations about being artistic and French won’t resonate—they simply care about appearances and cleanliness.
4. Helpful Resources
For those interested in enhancing their parenting journey, consider exploring resources that can help, such as this guide on boosting fertility supplements. Furthermore, if you’re looking for expert advice on the home insemination process, this site provides valuable insights. Additionally, for anyone curious about intrauterine insemination, Cleveland Clinic offers an excellent overview.
In summary, hippie parenting can be a rewarding yet challenging path. Embrace the quirks and realities of this lifestyle, but be prepared for the unexpected hurdles that come your way.