Holistic Moms Network

I just came across a great article on a fairly new organization, Holistic Moms Network (HMN), designed to create a community of like-minded parents who want to learn more about raising their children naturally. There are currently about 100 local chapters across the US, where parents get together to discuss things like vegetable juicing, breast feeding, conflict resolution, herbal remedies, composting, and more. But the main emphasis is always on living a healthier lifestyle for the whole family.

From the purpose statement on the HMN website:

We are dedicated to working with moms to create local chapters in their communities that will provide them with a happy, healthy forum for their mothering styles and that will bring them together in an environment that respects and honors their lifestyle and parenting choices.

Membership is $45 a year for the entire family, and there are monthly meetings or events like organic potluck meals or field trips. Dads and kids are always welcome to every meeting. There is always an educational component, like guest speakers, demonstrations and discussions on current hot topics.

I am so pleased to see an organization like this take off. No matter how healthy each of us tries to be in our own life, real change won't happen unless we start raising our kids and teaching them healthy lifestyles. This is particularly important now, with the unbelievably high rates of childhood obesity, diabetes, and ADHD. I think it is also very important to create this "support group" for moms that know they want to do things differently, but might not have the support of friends and family. I know there are moms out there that are surrounded by soda drinking, candy, chip and pop tart eating families, and know it's not good for their child. But it's hard to break out be different; especially if they make fun of you for it. If you are one of those mothers, please look into the Holistic Mothers Network and get some support for what you already know is better.

If you are interested in more information, or would like to join or start a local chapter of HMN, please go to their website:
http://www.holisticmoms.org/