The Ultimate Guide to Green Parenting - Zion Lights. A review!

When I was offered the chance to read The Ultimate Guide to Green Parenting, I jumped at the chance. Green parenting is what I aim for, it keeps me grounded and sane, and makes me feel like I'm really making a difference, to both my son and the environment. This book lived up to my expectations and then some. It was lovely for me to finally read a parenting book that focuses on the bigger picture, not just sleeping patterns and eating, but on impact both emotionally and environmentally. To have a parenting book that considers the World, not just your house to me feels pretty rare. I felt accepted and inspired, and I'm sure it will have this affect on others.

The book has several chapters each with a different focus on various aspects of parenting. There are sections on the science behind green parenting, diet and nutrition, vaccines, and nappies, to name just a few. Each chapter is split up into easy to manage sections, all scientifically backed up, and links and references are at the end of each one. The end of each chapter also features a really handy summary of what was just written about, which is brilliant for refreshing your memory or if you're short on time.

The book is written simply, with a friendly reassuring tone. You're not made to feel uncomfortable if you're not doing everything suggested, unlike other parenting books that can make you feel like 'you're doing it wrong'. For me this is a real winner, nobody likes to be patronised or spoken down to especially during what can be considered as the most vulnerable time of your life.

I'd definitely recommend buying this book, for yourself and for any expectant friends. A clearly written, scientifically backed up, eco-friendly way of parenting condensed down into a wonderful book.

The Ultimate Guide to Green Parenting is available to buy on Amazon

Mini Masterminds

And we’re back! Sorry about the absence, life got in the way (it does that sometimes).

So, what’s happened since we’ve been gone? I swear Indy has grown like a foot taller, he is looking huge and so grown up. The tantrums are also getting impressive; we’re getting a lot of screaming into the floor and growls. He’s been upgraded to a bigger bedroom now as well. Partially because his toys were beginning to take over the living room, and partially because we felt it was time he had a proper space to call his own.

We’ve popped into our favourite bookshop a couple of times in the last few weeks, Books & Pontyclun. Most recently we picked up a DVD called ‘Mini Masterminds – Animals’, because at the moment Indy is obsessed with farm yards and the things that live there. We didn’t know what to expect from the DVD, but it was reasonably priced. Back home, we popped it on and we were pleasantly surprised. It features a backing track of Mozart pieces, made a bit more child friendly and lullaby-like, and a soothing montage of animal pictures and videos. Mozart is renowned for aiding concentration and encourages well-balanced behavioral patterns. We found it ideal to have on in the background whilst Indy was playing. It’s not at all obtrusive or distracting, so Indy isn’t gawping open mouthed at the screen.

It’s something nice and relaxing to have on the television, another bonus if it’s naptime. All in all I’d say it was a worthwhile purchase, and it’s one that Indy keeps picking up  and asking to watch.

I plan to take Indy to a real-life farm soon, we had planned to go in half term but the weather simply wasn’t on our side. Nothing beats experiencing the sounds and smells of a real farm yard!

Next blog post I’ll be reviewing a potty training book I received, how exciting!