THE WHOLE PARENTING GUIDE: STRATEGIES, RESOURCES AND INSPIRING STORIES FOR HOLISTIC PARENTING AND FAMILY LIVING by Reder, Alan - 1999

Broadway, 1999. Paperback. Very Good+. A crisp clean softcover, no markings throughout: There are many parenting books available, but few approach the subject from a politically and culturally progressive slant. The Whole Parenting Guide presents a cohesive approach to family life and values that encompasses holistic health, interest in personal growth and spirituality, environmentalism, social conscience, appreciation of diversity, and rejection of materialism. Authors Alan Reder (writer for New Age magazine), Phil Catalfo (Raising Spiritual Children in a Material World), and Stephanie Renfrow Hamilton (former editor for Parenting and Essence) cover seven key areas of family life, including nutrition, alternative medicine, creativity, money matters, and community building. They include the practical--nonjudgmental and balanced information on sensitive and highly politically heated issues such as circumcision, vaccinations, and cloth vs. disposable diapers--as well as the philosophic--including keys to raising ethical children. From pregnancy to home schooling to community activism, this comprehensive guide book, complete with detailed sidebars, personal anecdotes from parents, and extensive listings of publications, will be a welcome addition to the progressive parent's library.