I'm fairly new to Mumsnet, but I have noticed that there seem to be so many widely varying styles of parenting and ways of life represented on the forums. I thought it might be quite interesting to do a thread about what our individual views on things are, not as a "my way is better than your way", but just to see the diversity of parenting approaches. Sorry if it's been done before! I'll start
I'm best described as a wannabe lentil-weaver - I have all the ideas but none of the money or time!
Food - I would like to have breast-fed, and that will be my first option next time if it's possible. I make all my own baby food and prefer to stay away from refined sugars and additives. I'm reasonably relaxed about the odd treat though, I don't want to make sweets into a big thing by banning them completely.
Parenting approach - I'm fairly relaxed about things, and I like the Montessori approach where young children learn to do things for themselves. I encourage independence. I don't believe in smacking or any kind of physical punishment, and I prefer reasoning and talking through a situation. I try to understand bad behaviour from the child's point of view. Mind you, my ds is only 1, so a lot of my childcare experience has been with other people's children - I may find it harder when I have a terrible two of my own to deal with! I like reading lots of stories, simple wooden toys with plenty of imaginative play value, and the great outdoors. I don't like TV as a babysitter, but I caved into a dummy when ds was 2 days old
Lifestyle - I'm an ex-home-educated kid myself, and am very into home-education, although I don't know if this will happen with ds. I don't think much of nurseries, even I trained as a nursery nurse. I find Glenn Doman and John Holt very interesting. I used cloth nappies for a few months, but my current lifestyle doesn't lend itself well to them. I recycle, and try to be eco-friendly, although there is always room for improvement! I like babywearing, and prefer not to use a pram. It's no fun being stuck in a crowd! I would describe myself as a full-time SAHM and a full-time actor - I am lucky enough to be able to fit the two together. I'd love to have a big family.