Natural Family Online Blog

September 2004 Newsletter

Natural Family Online's latest news and information, delivered right to your inbox!

NFO eUpdate

September 2004

www.naturalfamilyonline.com

Visit our Featured Sponsors:

Children of the New Earth magazine

Looking for information on the phenomenon known as the indigo or crystal children? Or are you just looking for the most up-to-date information available on parenting? Children of the New Earth magazine is a one-of-its-kind, cutting-edge, international magazine dedicated to the evolving needs of today's amazing children and the adults who nurture them.

Published quarterly, Children of the New Earth magazine is intended to be a beacon of inspiration and information that gives a voice to the growing international community of teachers, psychologists, doctors, healers and concerned parents who foresee the necessity for a paradigm shift in the way we feed, nurture, educate and relate to today's children.

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NFO eUpdate Newsletter Exclusive

Look for an all-new article farther down in this issue of NFO eUpdate -- an original feature available only to newsletter subscribers!

Highlights from August's NFO

New and improved!

Natural Family Online is quick, convenient, all-natural - and now, new and improved! Check out our new channels this month, bringing you natural solutions for the whole family.

*     Do It Yourself http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/1-diy/index.htm

*     Entertaining & Holidays

http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/1-e&h/index.htm

*     Natural Beauty http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/1-nb/index.htm

*     Natural Pets http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/1-np/index.htm

*     Children's Health http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/2-ch/index.htm

*     Fertility & Menopause

http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/2-f-m/index.htm

*     Natural Soul http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/2-ns/index.htm

*     Nutrition http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/3-nut/index.htm

*     Children's Nutrition

http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/3-bnut/index.htm

*     Cooking & Recipes http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/3-c&r/index.htm

*     Vegetarian Lifestyle

http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/3-veg/index.htm

*     Diapering & Potty Learning

http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/5-diap/index.htm

You'll still find all your old favorite channels, too. We're better than ever!

Harvest home Bring the homespun tradition of wheat weaving into your home to celebrate the autumn season:

http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/1-e&h/49-autumn-wheat-weaving.htm

Perky pet ears Prevent and treat your pet's ear infections with natural

techniques:

http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/1-np/49-pet-ear-infections.htm

Head Lice 101 School's back in session - and so are the head lice.

Find out

how to treat the little buggers naturally:

http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/2-ch/49-head-lice-treatments.htm

Feeling frazzled? Visit our special Frazzled Parents feature for tips on coping when you've just yelled at the kids:

http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/2-ns/49-yell-at-kids.htm

More ideas for those time when they're driving you nuts:

http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/2-ns/49-kids-crazy.htm

Finally, chill out with eight simple stress-busters:

http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/2-ns/49-stop-stress.htm

And let go and revel in a hobby -- they're not just for kids:

http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/2-ns/49-busy-women.htm

Are vegetarian kids healthy? They certainly are! Find out how:

http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/3-veg/49-vegetarian-kids.htm

And much, much more! Clothes-swapping parties . make cornstarch clay .

homeopathy for acne . simple strategies for health . the infection- allergy connection . homeopathy for ADHD . minerals for menopause . frugal, nutritious snacks . starting a drama club . making diapers and wipes .

grandparents at baby's birth . new books this month .

Visit http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com for tons of practical tools and tips on these topics and more!

You've got questions? We've got answers!

New Questions & Answers in September

"Is our pressure-treated wooden play fort dangerous?" -- Christine Climer

responds:

http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/Q&A/49nh-pressure-treated-

poison.htm

"How can I help my preschooler with the torture of long lines?" -- Jan Hunt

responds:

http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/Q&A/49ap-behavior.htm

NFO eUpdate Feature: Exclusive content for eUpdate subscribers only!

Positive Thinking for Kids

By Elizabeth Pantley

During their growth and development, children go through many stages of self-doubt. They are always comparing themselves to others, and they often see themselves as coming up short. As parents, we can offset this natural tendency in our children by giving them the skills to think more positively.

It is important that you really listen to your children and help them overcome their negative thoughts and beliefs. This is, of course, easier to do if you practice positive thinking yourself.

Our world is so full of negative feedback. We need to arm our children with a positive attitude, so that they can stay focused in the right direction.

Let's look at some typical negative statements from children, along with some positive responses from their wise parents.

I can't do it.

Take your time and try again. I have confidence in you.

Heather hates me.

Sounds like you're feeling rejected by Heather, and that must hurt.

I know

you want Heather to like you. Remember that you're a very lovable kid and a terrific person, no matter what Heather or anyone else says or does.

And you

know, she may have a problem that has nothing to do with you.

I'm just no good in history.

You've brought up C's before - I know you can do it again. Besides that, honey, nobody is good at everything. And look at this A in math -- you've always done well with numbers!

I'm so clumsy. I'll never learn to rollerblade!

It's tough learning something new. Remember when you first tried to ski, how hard it was? But you stuck with it, and now you're really good at skiing.

There is real value in discussing positive thinking and self-esteem with your children on a regular basis. Sadly, these subjects are not yet included in the school curriculum. There are good books written for children, as well as adults, which demonstrate the use of positive thinking. Reading a book together is a good launching pad for starting a conversation.

Pointing out

positive versus negative attitudes from news stories or life stories is an excellent way of showing your children just how this all works in real life, too.

A great website for finding lots of wonderful positive messages is:

http://greatday.com

Modeling a positive attitude is one of the most effective ways of teaching your children. Children learn what they live. So start presenting your thoughts in a positive way: Oh well, I burned the dinner - guess that means we get to eat cereal for dinner!

Parents always hope that their children will have a positive outlook on life, but most often how this happens is left to chance. When you take this matter into your hands and look for ways to guide your children's thoughts in a positive direction, you will see very exciting results.

C Elizabeth Pantley; excerpted from Kid Cooperation, How to Stop Yelling, Nagging and Pleading and Get Kids to Cooperate NFO regular contributor Elizabeth Pantley is the author of numerous parenting books, a regular radio show guest and is quoted frequently on the web and in national family and women's publications. Read more about

Elizabeth

at

http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/Contrib/e-pantley.htm.

We're looking for editors.  Natural Family Online has several openings for channel editors. We're looking for experienced writers and editors to help us track down the kind of fresh, natural resources and ideas our readers are looking for. Positions now available in our Pregnancy & Birth and Natural Family Living channels. Send us a note at editor @ naturalfamilyonline.com (no spaces) and let us know what makes you right for the job.

Send this newsletter to a friend!

Do you know someone who would enjoy reading Natural Family Online?

Send this

newsletter to them, or send a link so they can sign up for

themselves:

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Looking to reach your target audience?

Advertising with Natural Family Online magazine is a cost-effective way to increase your website or business's visibility while connecting with readers interested in family products and services. Advertise here in NFO's monthly newsletter, as well as on Natural Family Online and the NFO discussion boards. To receive advertising details, please contact advertising@n...

Kick into autumn with NFO ... naturally! Have a great September.

August 2004 Newsletter

Natural Family Online's latest news and information, delivered right to your inbox!

NFO eUpdate

August 2004

www.naturalfamilyonline.com

Visit our Featured Sponsor:

Flutterbye

Garden

Where kids can grow naturally! The natural place to shop for inspiring and creative, self-teaching, wooden and organic Waldorf & Montessori toys, herbal remedies, botanical body care products, hemp and organic cloth diapers, Bi-O-Kleen, hemp and organic children's clothing and shoes, handmade silk quilts, an organic baby sling even Dad will love, products just for Mom, the Growing Kids Naturally e-mail support group, and so much more!

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NFO eUpdate Newsletter Exclusive

Look for an all-new article farther down in this issue of NFO eUpdate -- an original feature available only to newsletter subscribers!

Highlights from August's NFO

Should you worry about vaccinations?

Some parents don't have any idea about the controversies swirling around vaccinations. Some avoid vaccinations altogether; others pick and choose, and still others place full confidence in the recommended vaccination schedule.

So what should you do?

This month, Natural Family Online brings you a series of articles that help you cut through the issues surrounding childhood vaccinations. Look through the articles. Discuss them with your partner. Visit the suggested reading resources. Dig a little deeper. And then stand behind the power of your own reason and make a choice that works for you and your family. Your health - and the future health of your children - depends on it.

Learn how and why to research vaccinations:

http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/YFH/20048-vaccinations.htm

Explore how your child's immune system works:

http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/YFH/20048-childhood-diseases.htm

Get the facts on flu vaccine recommendations:

http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/YFH/20048-flu-vaccine.htm

Support your child's vaccination process with homeopathy:

http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/YFH/20048-vaccine-homeopathy.htm

Explore the how's and why's of the MMR vaccine:

http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/YFH/20048-mmr-vaccine.htm

Learn about the Hepatitis B vaccine for your newborn:

http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/PB&F/20048-hepatitis-b-vaccine.htm

Get the facts about vaccinations for bacterial diseases:

http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/YFH/20048-vaccines-bacterial.htm

Learn about vaccinations for viral diseases:

http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/YFH/20048-viral-vaccines.htm

Eight questions to ask before you vaccinate:

http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/YFH/20048-vaccine-8Q.htm

Is breastfeeding a toddler weird?

International breastfeeding expert Dr. Jack Newman doesn't think so.

Find

out why:

http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/BF/20048-breastfeeding-toddler.htm

Preconception nutrition

What you eat before you conceive does make a difference! Check out these tips for preconception nutrition:

http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/PB&F/20048-preconception-diet.htm

Cloth diapering is no pain in the butt!

If you thought cloth diapering was a pain in the butt, think again.

We show

you how to make diapering quick, easy and convenient:

http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/BL/20048-cloth-diapers-simple.htm

Chill out

De-stress. Run through our 15-minute defrazzlers:

http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/NFL/20048-destress-family.htm

And try out a simple move that wrings tension right out of your body:

http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/NFL/20048-relax-destress.htm

And much, much more! Your dog - a free gym .junk toys . snacktime

fun .

getting your kids to talk to you . making cloth diapering simple .

nursing

toddlers . what age to wean? . building independent learners .

preconception

nutrition . smoking and pregnancy .

Visit http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com for tons of practical tools

and

tips on these topics and more!

You've got questions? We've got answers!

New Questions & Answers in August

"I am pregnant and have protein in my urine. How can I get more

protein in

my diet?" --  Karen Prior responds:

http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/Q&A/20048nutr-protein.htm

"What essential oils would you recommend for someone who is new to

natural

body care?" -- Laura Seipp responds:

http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/Q&A/20048nfl-essential-oils-body-care.htm

"Is there any thing I can do nutritionally to help keep my family

healthy

and illness-free?" -- Karen Prior responds:

http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/Q&A/20048nutr-cold-flu-illness-prevention.htm

NFO eUpdate Feature: Exclusive content for eUpdate subscribers only!

Teaching Your Child to Clean

By Paula Cole Harris

When you call 911 because there is a distinct and suspicious odor in

the

neighborhood and the culprit turns out to be two pairs of sneakers,

three

pairs of underwear and a dozen or more hotdog remnants of unknown

origin and

vintage found under your child's bed, it's past time to get your

child's

room organized.

When your child has gotten lost for hours in the mounds of clutter

trying to

find his way from the bed to the door, it's past time to teach your

child to

organize himself. But if you haven't reached that stage yet, there

is still

hope!

Here are some tips to help you teach your children neatness and

organization:

1. Your child learns by example. If the only clear area of your home

is the

path from the sofa to the television to the refrigerator and back,

then it's

time to commit to organizing your home. Make the process a family

project so

that your children can learn that everyone must pitch in to keep the

home

tidy.

2. Establish a routine and stick with it! Teach your child that beds

are

made and toys are picked up every day. It is easier for a child to

clean a

room a little every day, rather than be faced with a huge mess all

at once.

3. Provide plenty of storage - shelves, plastic storage containers,

hampers,

etc. Create a special storage area out of a plastic storage unit

made for

storing garden tools. Attach laundry bags in colorful colors to the

hooks

meant for rakes and shovels. Spray paint the unit in a cheerful

color to

match the room. Voila! A fun storage area!

4. Reward your child's cleaning and organizing efforts with fun.

Make a

checklist of tasks with a reward when the tasks are completed such as

permission to watch a favorite show, time to play a favorite

computer game,

a special story time with you or staying up an hour past bedtime.

Simple

rewards such as these will provide an incentive to keep up the good

work.

Make a game of cleaning. This works especially well with young

children. A

game of "Pick Up" to see which of you can pick up more clothes

within a

certain time limit or a game of "Hide the Clothes in the Hamper"

will make

cleaning more fun.

5. Be specific. Telling a child to "clean that room" can set the

stage for

failure and frustration. The task may seem overwhelming. But telling

your

child to pick up the clothes which are on the floor allows your

child to

focus in on a specific, achievable task.

6. Limit the amount of "stuff" your child has. Once a month, go

through your

child's room together and give toys and clothes that have been

outgrown and

are no longer needed to those less fortunate. Not only will your

child's

room stay cleaner, but they will learn a valuable lesson in sharing

and

giving.

Although you may think it inevitable, the process of keeping your

child's

bedroom clean need not be a war. If you are consistent with the

rules, your

child will learn what is expected and do it (eventually). If you are

inconsistent, you have already lost the battle! Better stock up on

flashlights and compasses in case you need to find your way to their

closet.

C Pamela Cole Harris

Pamela Cole Harris has been a writer and decorator for 35 years

(yikes! Has

it been that long?). She is the author of "Home and Garden Design

Tips," a

free weekly syndicated home and garden content service for your web

site.

Get the code at

http://www.homeandgardenmakeover.com/content_syndication.html . And

while

you are there, sign up for her monthly newsletter! And visit her

other sites

at http://www.pajamabusinesses.com and

http://www.thewellfedtraveler.com .

Send this newsletter to a friend!

Do you know someone who would enjoy reading Natural Family Online?

Send this

newsletter to them, or send a link so they can sign up for

themselves:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Natural_Family_Online_newsletter/join

Looking to reach your target audience?

Advertising with Natural Family Online magazine is a cost-effective

way to

increase your website or business's visibility while connecting with

readers

interested in family products and services. Advertise here in NFO's

monthly

newsletter, as well as on Natural Family Online and the NFO

discussion

boards. To receive advertising details, please contact

advertising@n...

We're looking for editors!

Natural Family Online has several openings for channel editors.

Interested

in attachment parenting, entertaining & holidays, natural pets,

nutrition,

cooking & recipes or vegetarian living? Send us a note at

editor@n... and let us know what makes you right for the

job.

Celebrate summer with NFO ... naturally! Have a great August.

July 2004 Newsletter

Natural Family Online's latest news and information, delivered right to your inbox!

NFO eUpdate

July 2004

www.naturalfamilyonline.com

Visit our Featured Sponsor:

Looking for something different to do with your kids today?

Visit A Magical Childhood for ideas and inspiration!

http://www.magicalchildhood.com

NFO eUpdate Newsletter Exclusive

NFO eUpdate newsletter is growing, just like Natural Family Online. Look for an all-new article farther down in this newsletter -- an original feature available only to newsletter subscribers!

Highlights from July's NFO

Nobody's keeping score

NFO Editor Lisa Poisso talks about natural family living, guilt, and how to make mindful choices as painlessly as possible: http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/editorial/index.htm

Violent times

Kelley Shirazi provides tips on helping kids cope with today’s frequently horrifying headlines: http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/EDU/20047-kids-cope-war.htm

Where are they hiding the produce?

No organic or locally grown produce in your local stores? Don’t give up! Vegetarian cooking guru Nava Atlas tells you three easy ways you can help your family eat seasonally: http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/NFL/20047-healthy-eating.htm

Eat any good laundry soap lately?

And you thought your cravings were unusual! Meagan Francis examines the peculiar phenomenon of pica: http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/PB&F/20047-pregnancy-cravings.htm

Now that's deep cleansing.

Explore time-tested tips on ayurvedic internal cleansing from Shreelata Suresh: http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/YFH/20047-at-home-cleansing.htm

Also, whisk away toxic buildup with Susy Parker Goins’ Internal Broom recipe: http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/YFH/20047-clean-colon.htm

New ammunition against eczema

Katharina Bishop scratches beneath the surface of this itchy topic: http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/YFH/20047-kids-excema-treatment.htm

Can eczema be controlled through nutrition? Christine Climer shows you how: http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/YFH/20047-excema-treatment.htm.

Breastfeeding rubbish

When it comes to breastfeeding, what’s common knowledge is often perfect rubbish. International breastfeeding expert Dr. Jack Newman explodes the most common breastfeeding myths: http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/BF/20047-breastfeeding-myths.htm

Pregnancy for office professionals

Read Meagan Francis’s tips on alleviating the pains and strains of the pregnant professional: http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/PB&F/20047-pregnant-while-working.htm   

And much, much more.  Getting the most bang for your fuel buck--two-career families--organics for kids--rewarding behavior--making today magical--potty learning tips--cloth vs. disposables--quitting piano lessons--job shadowing for teens--siblings at births--preventing preterm labor--good bacteria

Visit http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com for tons of practical tools and tips on these topics and more!

You've got questions? We've got answers.

"My son’s school uses a multiple intelligences approach … What are the benefits?"

Lara Ashmore responds: http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/Q&A/20047edu-multiple-intelligence-curriculum.htm

"Should I wean my 3-year-old or let him 'wean himself'?"

Dr. Palmer responds: http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/Q&A/20047bf-weaning.htm

"I keep hearing about cloth menstrual pads … What’s the scoop?"

Kendell Schafer responds: http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/Q&A/20047nfl-cloth-menstrual-pads.htm

"Help! My neighbor's kids drive me crazy!"

Elizabeth Pantley responds: http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/Q&A/20047nfl-naughty-kids.htm

NFO eUpdate Feature: Exclusive content for eUpdate subscribers only!

This month's eUpdate Feature is brought to you by:

Vegetarian Baby and Child--The Online Magazine for Vegetarian & Vegan Families

http://www.vegetarianbaby.com

Q&A With Herbalist Andrea Candee

Question: I try to be careful and protect our family’s skin from the sun, but sometimes sunburns do happen. What do you suggest as natural remedies for soothing the pain and healing the skin?

Andrea Candee responds: If sunburn does occur, there are several wonderful natural formulas that can easily be prepared or purchased.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Bath

For large sunburned areas, an apple cider vinegar bath works wonders. Use a brand of apple cider vinegar from the health food store that has been wood aged, rather than one from the supermarket that may have been chemically aged. Apple cider vinegar helps to balance the skin’s pH factor, its acid/alkaline balance. As with all parts of the body, when there is chemical balance, healing is supported.

·                                 Add two cups of apple cider vinegar to a bathtub of warm water.

·                                 Soak for 15 minutes. Your burned skin will be calmed and soothed, and much of the pain will be immediately relieved.

·                                 After the bath, you can use one of the following soothers to promote further healing.

Yogurt Skin Healer

Yogurt is the antidote for the burn of hot, spicy food in Indian cooking because it re-establishes acid/alkaline balance -- and it works the same way for sunburned skin. For sunburn, I use compresses of natural yogurt to help cool and hydrate the skin.

·                                 Wrap whole milk, full fat, plain yogurt in several layers of cheesecloth and compress the burn.

·                                 Replace with fresh compresses as the yogurt warms on the skin.

·                                 Repeat compresses until the skin is cooled and soothed.

·                                 Yogurt can be spread over the entire body, turning an upsetting, painful sunburn into a fun spa treatment that girls especially will love (and boys, too - - my son Brian has always enjoyed our herbal “spa treatments”). Leave the yogurt on for 10 to 15 minutes, then rinse off in a cool shower.

Baking Soda Sunburn Soother

Like apple cider vinegar and yogurt, baking soda helps to balance pH, the skin’s acid/alkaline balance.

·                                 Add ¼ cup baking soda to a warm bath, for an effective sunburn-healing soak.

·                                 Soak for 15 minutes.

Lavender Oil

The essential oil of lavender is one of the only essential oils that can safely be applied to the skin without diluting it in a carrier oil. Applying lavender oil will take the sting out of the burn and heal it quickly. Its calming aromatherapeutic properties will help to ease the emotional upset of a painful burn.

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera has the unique ability to help skin renew itself by stimulating cellular metabolism, thereby promoting oxygen exchange and increasing the absorption of nutrients. Aloe contains the anti-oxidant vitamins A and C, the minerals copper, selenium, and magnesium as well as zinc, a powerful virus fighter. The following method works well for a localized burn.

·                                 Rather than cutting from the tip or halfway down the stalk, cut aloe at its base.

·                                 Slit the stalk horizontally, exposing the gelatinous interior.

·                                 Using the thickest, juiciest section, cut a piece large enough to completely cover the burn and its surrounding tissue.

·                                 Place the entire piece on the area (gel and peel, gel side toward the burn).

·                                 Cover the aloe with roller gauze and surgical tape to keep it firmly in place.

·                                 Leave on overnight.

·                                 Repeat applications twice a day until area is healed.

In Aromatherapy: A Complete Guide to the Healing Art (Crossing Press), herbalist Mindy Green combines the essential oil of lavender with aloe to create a soothing preparation for sunburn relief.

Aloe-Lavender Smoothie

In a 6- to 8-ounce glass jar, mix together

·                                 4 ounces aloe gel (fresh from the plant or purchased in the health food store)

·                                  ½ teaspoon essential oil of lavender

·                                 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

·                                 The contents of two 400IU capsules Vitamin E (puncture the Vitamin E capsules with a straight pin to release the contents).

Tighten a cap onto the jar and shake to blend ingredients. This mixture may be gently patted on the affected area and reapplied as often as needed for relief of the sunburn’s heat and inflammation. For increased cooling benefit and freshness, keep the mixture refrigerated.

One more suggestion: eating sweet potatoes will make you less likely to burn! A small sweet potato contains more than twice the daily need for beta carotene, which helps to reduce the redness and inflammation of a sunburn.

University

of

Arizona

’s School of Public Health Professor Ronald Watson, Ph.D., says, “Beta carotene accumulates in the skin, providing partial protection for 24 hours against sun damage.”

© Andrea Candee

NFO contributing author Andrea Candee is a master herbalist, media expert, nationally known lecturer and author. See more about Andrea here: http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/Contrib/a-candee.htm

The information appearing at Natural Family Online™ is for educational purposes only and is not intended to serve as a substitute for professional medical advice. Please review the rest of our disclaimer and user agreement: http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/Site/disclaimer.htm.

 

---

Send this newsletter to a friend!

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---

Looking to reach your target audience?

Advertising with Natural Family Online magazine is a cost-effective way to increase your website or business's visibility while connecting with readers interested in family products and services. Advertise here in NFO's monthly newsletter, as well as on Natural Family Online and the NFO discussion boards. To receive advertising details, please contact [email protected]

---

We're looking for editors!

Natural Family Online has several openings for channel editors. Interested in attachment parenting, green lifestyles, or whole foods and organic cooking? Send us a note at [email protected] and let us know what makes you right for the job.

Celebrate summer with NFO ... naturally! Have a great July.

June 2004 Newsletter

NFO eUpdate
June 2004
Natural Family Online magazine
http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

NFO eUpdate Newsletter Exclusive

NFO eUpdate newsletter is growing, just like Natural Family Online. Look for
an all-new article farther down in this newsletter -- an original feature
available only to newsletter subscribers!

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

In the News

We get our fair share of stormy letters from formula-feeding mothers who
feel hurt and angry at confronting the facts on our pages about the dangers
and drawbacks of infant formula. There's no denying the very real risks
associated with formula - but mothers who bottle feed their babies will find
plenty of support at NFO, too.

Following the publication of Dr. Linda Folden Palmer's groundbreaking
report, The Deadly Influence of Formula in America
<http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/BF/200312-formula-report.htm> (
http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/BF/200312-formula-report.htm), we
followed up with natural ways to make the healthiest use of infant formula
in Optimizing the Health of Your Formula-Fed Baby
<http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/BF/20043_formula.htm> (
http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/BF/20043_formula.htm).

This month, Dr. Palmer is back with a look at how "nursing" is much, much
more than "breastfeeding" and how both breastfeeding and bottlefeeding
parents can make feedings a nurturing time that provide babies with actual
developmental benefits. Stop by and see this article at
http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/BF/20046_palmer.htm.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

New Features for June

Special Feature:
Vacation time!
Don't let health issues hamstring your summer vacation. Dr. Elson Haas
offers his advice for vacationing with a peaceful mind and sound body at
http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/YFH/20046_healthy-vacation.htm, while
Susy Goins helps you assemble a homeopathic first aid kit for travel at
http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/YFH/20046_homeopathy-vacation.htm.

Be your own herbal expert
Renowned herbalist Susun Weed guides you through a self-study course in
safely preparing and using herbal remedies. Read Part One
(http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/YFH/20046_herbalexpert.htm), Part Two
(http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/YFH/20046_herbalexpert2.htm) and Part
Three (http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/YFH/20046_herbalexpert3.htm). Part
Four is available exclusively to you, our subscribers to NFO eUpdate,
farther down in this newsletter!


Special Feature:
Natural approaches to alcoholism
Is there such a thing as a natural approach to treating alcoholism? Cynthia
Perkins provides an overview of the holistic alternatives at
http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/YFH/20046_alcoholic2.htm, while Susy
Goins lends advice on homeopathic support at
http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/YFH/20046_alcoholic.htm.

Morning sickness blues
Jessica Hudson presents a truly comprehensive look at holistic and
alternative approaches to coping with morning sickness:
http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/PB&F/20046_sickness.htm.

Nursing Bras 101
Select the right nursing bra with tips on fit, feature and care from Becky
Flora at http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/BF/20046_nursing-bra2.htm and
advice on styling from Joanne Davidson at
http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/BF/20046_nursing-bra.htm.

We have dozens more - yes, dozens! - brand new articles this month. Visit
our home page at http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/index.htm and look for
the channel-by-channel listing.

Check out the attachment parenting and natural family books on the NFO
Bookshelf at http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/NFB/index.htm.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

When You've Got Questions ...
... we've got the answers! Read what our panel has to say about natural
family living, and send in a question of your own (sorry, personal responses
not available). http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/Q&A/index.htm

This month at NFO Q&A:

Question: I get angry with my kids all the time. Usually I end up yelling at
them, and this gets them to do what I want, but I feel terrible afterward.
Can you help me stop this? I can feel my kids are afraid of me. Mark
Brandenburg responds at http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/Q&A/20046ap.htm.

Question: My child suffers from chronic Lyme Disease and has been prescribed
several rounds of antibiotics. She still has significant joint pain,
headaches, brain fog and fatigue. I am told you can never get rid of Lyme
Disease. Are there natural remedies for Lyme? Andrea Candee responds at
http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/Q&A/20046nh2.htm.

Question: I am starting to see mosquitoes when I take my daughter out for
our evening walks. I don't want to use any chemical insect sprays on her,
but I am afraid she might get West Nile Virus. What else can I do to keep
her safe? Christine Climer responds at
http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/Q&A/20046nh.htm.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

NFO eUpdate Feature
Exclusive content for eUpdate subscribers only!

Part Four of Four:
Be Your Own Herbal Expert
By Susun S. Weed

Editor's note: Find parts one through three of this series in the June issue
of Natural Family Online.

Herbal medicine is the medicine of the people. It is simple, safe, effective
and free. Our ancestors used -- and our neighbors around the world still use
-- plant medicines for healing and health maintenance. It's easy, and now
you can do it, too.

In your first lessons, you learned how to "listen" to the messages of
plant's tastes, how to make effective water-based herbal remedies and how to
distinguish safe nourishing and toning herbs from the more dangerous
stimulating and sedating herbs.

In this lesson, you will learn how to how make herbal tinctures. You will
make tinctures from fresh and dried roots as well as from fresh flowers and
leaves. Then you will collect your tinctures into an herbal medicine chest
and begin to use them.

Tinctures act fast
Tinctures are alcohol-based plant medicines. Alcohol extracts and
concentrates many properties from plants, including their poisons. Alcohol
does not extract significant amounts of nutrients, so tinctures are used
when we want to stimulate, sedate or make use of a poison. (Remember that
nourishing herbs are best used in water bases, such as infusions and
vinegars.)

The concentrated nature of tinctures allows them to act quickly. It also
makes them perfect for a first-aid kit or herbal medicine chest; a little
goes a long way.

I have dozens of tinctures in my cabinet. But these are the ones I carry
with me when I travel, the ones I don't leave home without. This is my
traveling herbal medicine chest.

Echinacea tincture Motherwort tincture Skullcap tincture
Ginseng tincture Dandelion root tincture Wormwood tincture
St Joan's Wort tincture Poke root tincture (danger) Yarrow
tincture

Making dried root tinctures
I strongly prefer to make tinctures from fresh plants. But many people have
a hard time getting fresh plants. Most books therefore ignore fresh plant
tinctures and focus on making tinctures only from dried plants. The only
dried plant parts I use to make tinctures are roots and seeds. For all other
plant parts, I use fresh when making a tincture, and I actually prefer to
use fresh roots too.

To make a tincture from dried roots:

* Buy an ounce of dried Echinacea augustifolia or Panax ginseng root.
* Put the whole ounce in a pint jar.
* The dried root should fill the jar about a third full; if not, use a
smaller jar.
* Fill the jar to the top with the alcohol. Cap tightly and label.

Almost any alcohol can be used to make a tincture. My preference is 100
proof vodka. A lower proof, such as 80 proof, does not work nearly as well.
Higher proofs such as 198 proof or Everclear can damage the liver and
kidneys, so I don't use them to make medicine.

The tincture is ready in six weeks but gets stronger the longer it sits. I
like to wait about six months before using my ginseng tincture and a year
before using my echinacea tincture.

Making fresh root tinctures
Roots generally hold their properties even when dried. But two of my
favorite root tinctures must be made from fresh roots; the dried ones have
lost much of their effect.

Making a tincture with a fresh root is similar to making one with a dried
root.

* With great respect for the plant, dig up its root.
* Gently rinse mud away. (For more about digging dandelion root, see
Healing Wise.)
* Chop root into small pieces and fill a jar to the top with the
chopped root.
* Fill jar to the top with alcohol. Cap tightly. Label.
* Fresh root tinctures are ready to use in six weeks.

Making fresh leaf and flower tinctures
I use only fresh flowers and leaves in my tinctures. These delicate plant
parts lose aroma and medicinal qualities when dried.

Tinctures can be made from dried herbs, but I find them inferior in effect,
energetics, taste and somatics (how something makes you "feel").

What if the plants you need to make all the tinctures in your medicine chest
don't grow where you live or you can't find them? Try one or more of these
solutions.

* Take a vacation to a place where the plant you need does grow, and
make sure to go at the best time to gather it.
* Find an herbal pen-pal who lives in the area where the plant you
want to tincture grows. Have your pen-pal make a tincture of the fresh plant
for you. You could make a tincture of something you have lots of to give to
her, too.
* Even if the plants do grow where you live, it may take a year or
longer for you to find them, harvest them and make tinctures. While you are
"in limbo," it's fine to buy tinctures to use in your herbal medicine chest.


When you finally find the plants you want, don't be afraid to make several
quarts of tincture. Tinctures last for hundreds of years if protected from
heat and light.

St. Joan's Wort tincture: eases muscles spasms; anti-viral, pain-relieving

* Pick yellow Hypericum perforatum flowers in the summer's heat.
* Fill (don't stuff) a jar with the blossoms and leaves.
* Fill jar to the top with alcohol. Cap tightly. Label. (It will turn
bright red.)
* Your fresh St. Joan's wort tincture is ready to use in six weeks.

Motherwort tincture: eases menstrual cramps, mood swings, stress

* Pick Leonurus cardiaca flowering tops (leaves and flowers) in early
fall or late summer.
* Fill (don't stuff) a jar with coarsely chopped blossoms and leaves.
* Fill jar to the top with alcohol. Cap tightly. Label.
* Your fresh motherwort tincture is ready to use in six weeks.

Skullcap tincture: pain relief, headaches

* Pick Scutellaria lateriflora flowering tops when there are seeds as
well as flowers.
* Fill (don't stuff) a jar with the blossoms and leaves.
* Fill jar to the top with alcohol. Cap tightly. Label.
* Your fresh skullcap tincture is ready to use in six weeks.

Wormwood tincture: counters food poisoning and parasites

* Pick Artemisia absinthemum leaves in the late summer or early fall,
when mature.
* Fill (don't stuff) a jar, with the coarsely chopped leaves.
* Fill jar to the top with alcohol. Cap tightly. Label.
* Your fresh wormwood tincture is ready to use in six weeks.

Yarrow tincture: counters bacteria internally and externally, repels insects

* Pick Achillea millefolium flowering tops (white ones only) when in
bloom.
* Fill (don't stuff) a jar with the coarsely chopped herb.
* Fill jar to the top with alcohol. Cap tightly. Label.
* Your fresh yarrow tincture is ready to use in six weeks.

Double and triple tinctures
An herbalist in Austin, Texas, shared her special way of preparing a
tincture that helps her keep her cool in stressful situations. She tinctures
fresh lemon balm, gathered before it flowers, for six weeks in 100 proof
vodka. She pours that tincture over a new jar of fresh lemon balm leaves.
After that sits for six more weeks, it's a double tincture. She then pours
the double tincture over another new jarful of fresh lemon balm and lets
that sit for six weeks. After which she has a triple tincture. She uses "a
dropperful sublingually -- works absolute wonders for me when I'm stressed
out and ready to scream."

Plant poisons
You remember that there are four types of poisons in plants: alkaloids,
glycosides, essential oils and resins. The first three are fairly easy to
move from plants to a tincture.

Resins, because they "fear" water (hydrophobic), are difficult to tincture.
When I want to tincture a resin, I do use high proof alcohol. Some examples
would be: pine resin tincture, balsam bud tincture or calendula flower
tincture.

Taking tinctures
I see many people put herbal tinctures under their tongues. I prefer to
protect my oral tissues from the harsh, possibly cancer-causing effects of
the alcohol. I dilute my tinctures in a little water or juice or even herbal
infusion and drink them.

Using your tinctures
Here are a few of the ways I use the tinctures in my herbal medicine chest.
For more information on using these tincture, see my books and my web site.

Acid indigestion Five to 10 drops of Dandelion root or Wormwood tincture
every 10 minutes until relieved. I use a dose of Dandelion before meals to
prevent heartburn.

Bacterial infections (including boils, carbuncles, insect bites, snake
bites, spider bites, staph) 30 to 50 drops of Echinacea or Yarrow tincture
up to five times daily; for severe infections, add one drop of Poke tincture
to each dose.

Colds As a preventive, use Yarrow tincture, five to 10 drops daily; to treat
them, I rely on Yarrow but in larger quantity -- say a dropperful every
three to four hours at the worst of the cold and tapering off.

Cramps during menstruation Ten drops of Motherwort every 20 minutes or as
needed; also as a tonic, 10 drops daily during the week before.

Cramps in muscle Twenty-five drops St. Joan's every 25 to 30 minutes for as
long as needed.

Cramps in gut Five to 10 drops Wormwood, once.

Diarrhea Three drops of Wormwood hourly for up to four hours.

Energy lack Ten drops of Dandelion or Ginseng tincture in the morning.

Fever One drop Echinacea for every two pounds of body weight; taken every
two hours to begin, decreasing as symptoms remiss; or a dropperful of Yarrow
tincture every four hours.

Headache Twenty-five drops St Joan's plus three to five drops Skullcap every
10 to 15 minutes for up to two hours; five drops of Skullcap may prevent
some headaches.

High blood pressure Twenty-five drops of Motherwort or Ginseng tincture two
to four times a day.

Hot flashes Twenty to 30 drops Motherwort as flash begins and/or 10 to 20
drops once or twice daily.

Insect bites Prevent bites from black flies, mosquitoes and ticks with a
spray of Yarrow tincture; treat bites you do get with Yarrow tincture to
prevent infection.

Nervousness, hysteria, hyper behavior Fifteen drops Motherwort every 15 to
20 minutes.

Premenstrual distress Ten drops Motherwort twice a day for seven to 10 days
preceding menstruation, or 10 drops daily all month.

Sore throat Gargle with Yarrow tincture.

Swollen glands One drop Poke root tincture every 12 hours for two to five
days.

Viral infections (including colds and the flu) Twenty-five drops of St.
Joan's Wort tincture every two hours; add one drop of poke root tincture two
to four times a day for severe cases.

Wounds I wash with Yarrow tincture, then wet the dressing with Yarrow
tincture too.

Experiment 1
Choose one plant and make several small tinctures of it using different
types of alcohol. Taste and smell each tincture every week or so for six to
eight weeks.

Experiment 2
Buy or make different tinctures of the same plant: dried herb, fresh herb,
timed with the moon, in different menstrums, made by different people,
harvested in different places. Can you taste differences? Are the effects
different? What else do you notice?

Experiment 3
Make a double or triple tincture of motherwort, skullcap or lemon balm. See
if it relieves anxiety, hyperactivity, emotional distress, headaches. I use
a dose of five to 30 drops. Remember, skullcap can induce sleepiness.

Experiment 4
Tincture four plants that are common to your area. Learn at least three
things they can each be used for -- and if at all possible, use them.

Further study
1. What is osmosis? Why does 100 proof vodka make stronger tinctures
than 80 proof?
2. What is a menstrum? What other menstrums are used to make tinctures?
3. Of the four plant poisons, which are present in each of plants used
in the medicine chest?
4. Why don't I consider vinegars tinctures?
5. How is a glyceride different from a tincture?

Advanced work

* Make a tincture from a resinous plant.
* Make a glyceride.
* How is a standardized tincture made?


You can read parts one through three of this series at Natural Family Online
<http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com> (http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com).

(c) Susun S. Weed; for permission to reprint this article, contact Susun
<mailto:[email protected]?subject=Reprint%20Permission> .
NFO regular contributor Susun Weed has been living the simple life for more
than 30 years as an herbalist, goat keeper, homesteader and feminist. Read
more about Susun <http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/Contrib/s-weed.htm> .
The information appearing at Natural Family Online(tm) is for educational
purposes only and is not intended to serve as a substitute for professional
medical advice. Please review the rest of our disclaimer and user agreement
<http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/Site/disclaimer.htm> .

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Visit our sponsors
Looking for products that help you parent well...naturally? UBB's Natural
Family Boutique is for you! Visit www.babies-in-bloom.com
<<http://www.babies-in-bloom.com>> (click on "Unique Baby Boutique") to shop
or learn more!

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Send this newsletter to a friend!
Do you know someone who would enjoy reading Natural Family Online? Send this
newsletter to them, or send a link so they can sign up for themselves:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Natural_Family_Online_newsletter/join

Advertise with Natural Family Online magazine.
Advertise here in NFO's monthly newsletter as well as on Natural Family
Online and the NFO discussion boards. To receive advertising details, please
contact [email protected]
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AvgG8u-qFdzVsqSodMV8132ZNsbzw1rMmD_tiPRPdoWqb2rUb_vrsq3dgtaAON0iTDl-l4INpTg>
.


Celebrate summer with NFO ... naturally! Have a great June.

May 2004 Newsletter

NFO eUpdate
May 2004
Natural Family Online magazine
http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Visit our featured sponsors

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NFO eUpdate Newsletter Exclusive

NFO eUpdate newsletter is growing, just like Natural Family Online. Look for
an all-new article farther down in this newsletter - an original feature
available only to newsletter subscribers!

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

In the News

Parents want sleep. We crave it, like we used to crave an exciting night out
on the town or seeing the latest blockbuster movie. So why are we so pooped?
This month's Better Sleep Month series looks at ways to get healthier, more
productive sleep for the whole family, from newborns to teens and adults.
Read more about what's at NFO this May at
http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/editorial/index.htm.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

New Features for May

Natural Family Online brings you not one but four special feature packages
this month, with multiple articles on sleep, parental guilt, spanking and
eating vegetables.

Get to sleep, already!
It's Better Sleep Month - so get to sleep! Visit our Attachment Parenting
channel (http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/AP/index.htm) for a trio of
sleep articles about babies by sleep guru Elizabeth Pantley: letting
sleeping babies lie, sleeping on the go, and making your own sleep book. Go
to Your Family's Health (http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/YFH/index.htm)
for ayurvedic tips for better sleep, pointers on getting enough sleep and
sleep tips for teenagers. Check out the sleep tips for pregnancy at
Pregnancy, Birth & Fertility
(http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/PB&F/index.htm), and wrap it all up with
another sleep tidbit from Elizabeth Pantley in Question & Answers
(http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/Q&A/night-time.htm).

Duty, guilt and "being there" for your kids
If you've ever wondered if you do enough for your family - or if you do too
much - then visit our Attachment Parenting special feature, Duty, Guilt and
Being There for Your Kids (http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/AP/index.htm).
Our contributors look at parental guilt, caring vs. caring too much and
whether we are sometimes actually addicted to our children.

When is spanking appropriate?
Do you spank your kids - or do you sometimes feel like it? Maybe you spank
"sometimes, but never in anger" or "only in dangerous situations." Find out
what two of our most respected parenting experts have to say about Spanking
(http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/AP/index.htm), with perspectives from
Elizabeth Pantley and Mark Brandenburg.

Eat your veggies!
And finally - Eat Your Veggies!. Find out why you should gobble your greens
in this Natural Family Living channel special feature
(http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/NFL/index.htm). We serve up articles on
using fresh greens before they go bad, enticing kids to eat their vegetables
and even growing baby veggies.

We have dozens more - yes, dozens! - brand new articles this month. Visit
our home page at http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/index.htm and look for
the channel-by-channel listing.

Check out the attachment parenting and natural family books on the NFO
Bookshelf at http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/NFB/index.htm.

Make Today Magical
Alicia Bayer shares 10 magical ways to find the joy in any day at
http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/Magic/index.htm

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

When You've Got Questions ...
... we've got the answers! Read what our panel has to say about natural
family living, and send in a question of your own (sorry, personal responses
not available). http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/Q&A/index.htm

This month at NFO Q&A:

Question: My son is taking an antibiotic to clear up his sinus infection and
has developed diarrhea. My friend told me that I can give him a probiotic
... Christine Climer responds at
http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/Q&A/20045nh2.htm.

Question: What exactly is "attachment parenting" as it applies to all ages,
not just babies? Jan Hunt responds at
http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/Q&A/20045ap.htm.

Question: I have some questions about cleansing and detoxing my body ...
Karen Prior responds at http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/Q&A/20045nh.htm.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

What do you think?

What's a "large family"? And what's an "older mother"? Share your thoughts
at http://naturalfamilyonline.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=282.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

NFO eUpdate Feature

Exclusive content for eUpdate subscribers only!
Top 10 Ways to Save on Gasoline
By Cyndi Roberts

Gasoline prices are soaring! Now is a good time to look at ways to save at
the pump. I come from a long line of auto mechanics -- they're called
automotive technicians now -- and I have been asking around and researching
ways to save on gasoline. Here's the list of things I have come up with.

1. Always keep your tires inflated to the proper pressure. The proper
pressure for your car's tires can be found on the label inside the driver
side door. It can also be found in your car's manual. Under-inflation is as
bad for your gas mileage as over-inflation. Good quality tire pressure
gauges are not expensive; invest in one and you can check your own pressure.

2. Also be sure your car is equipped with the proper size tires. Tires that
are the wrong size can wreck your gas mileage. The proper tire size can also
be found on the label inside the driver side door.

3. Keep your engine tuned. This means an oil change every three months or
every 5,000 miles.

4. Change your air filter with every other oil change.

5. Better gas mileage can be simple to achieve just by changing some of
your driving habits. Don't do quick starts -- slowly and gradually pick up
speed. Maintain a steady speed on the highway; use your cruise control.

6. Use your air conditioner only when absolutely necessary. It takes more
gas to run the a/c.

7. Plan your trips. Make every trip count; run several errands in one trip.

8. My personal mechanic tells me it isn't necessary to buy the high-octane
gasoline for most cars. Check with your own mechanic and read your owner's
manual.

9. Walk whenever possible. If it's not an option to walk to town, you might
at least consider parking in a central location once you get to town and
walking to do your errands, instead of driving from place to place.

10. Pump your own gas. In our area, it is 5 to 10 cents a gallon cheaper to
pump your own versus having an attendant put it in for you.

None of these tips are expensive to do -- mostly just common sense ideas.

(c) Cyndi Roberts

Cyndi Roberts is the editor of "1 Frugal Friend 2 Another" bi-weekly
newsletter, bringing you creative, practical tips to help you with
budgeting, cooking, shopping, parenting and much more as you strive to "live
the good life ... on a budget." To subscribe, visit the "1 Frugal Friend 2
Another" web site at http://www.cynroberts.com.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Visit our sponsors
Looking for products that help you parent well...naturally? UBB's Natural
Family Boutique is for you! Visit www.babies-in-bloom.com
<<http://www.babies-in-bloom.com>> (click on "Unique Baby Boutique") to shop
or learn more!

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Send this newsletter to a friend!
Do you know someone who would enjoy reading Natural Family Online? Send this
newsletter to them, or send a link so they can sign up for themselves:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Natural_Family_Online_newsletter/join

Advertise with Natural Family Online magazine.
Advertise here in NFO's monthly newsletter as well as on Natural Family
Online and the NFO discussion boards. To receive advertising details, please
contact [email protected].


Spring into the season with NFO ... naturally! Have a great May.

April 2004 Newsletter

NFO eUpdate
April 2004
Natural Family Online magazine
http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Visit our featured sponsor:

Looking for products that help you parent well -- naturally? Unique
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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

NFO eUpdate Newsletter Exclusive!

NFO eUpdate newsletter is growing, just like Natural Family Online.
Look for an all-new article farther down in this newsletter – an
original feature available only to newsletter subscribers!

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

In the News:
Natural family living is more than just breastfeeding and
babywearing – it's green living that's gentle on the earth and
gentle on your family. In honor of Earth Day, NFO brings you a slew
of ecologically minded articles this month on seeds, community-
supported agriculture, hemp, gardening and more.
http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/editorial/index.htm

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

New Featured Articles:

Earth Day Special
Kelly Averill Savino looks at what you can do for Earth Day:
http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/NFL/20044_earthday.htm

Kelly also shows you how to build your own greenhouse:
http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/NFL/20044_greenhouse.htm

Kelley Shirazi explains what the fuss about hemp is all about:
http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/NFL/20044_hemp.htm

Discover the advantages of eating with seasons with Karen Olson:
http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/NFL/20044_seasons.htm

You can even plan a green wedding with tips from Blake Kritzberg:
http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/NFL/20044_greenwedding.htm

And more: Heirloom seeds, community-supported agriculture, 70 uses
for vinegar, and gardening with your children. Look for the "New
This Month" box on our home page with links to all of April's new
features.


When You've Got Questions …
… we've got the answers! Read what our experts have to say about
natural family living, and send in a question of your own (sorry,
personal responses not available).
http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/Q&A/index.htm

Raising Kids With Your Values
New contributor Mark Brandenburg offers a special look at sharing
your values with your kids:
Raising daughters:
http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/AP/20044_daughters.htm
Preserving memories:
http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/AP/20044_memories.htm
Family responsibilities:
http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/AP/20044_responsible.htm
Good, old-fashioned chores:
http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/AP/20044_chores.htm

Let the Sun Shine
Joel Stonington explains why scientists are now saying that a
moderate amount of sunshine is good for you.
http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/NH/20044_sunshine.htm

Yellow Light: Cytotec and Labor Induction
Cytotec, a drug frequently given to induce labor, may not be as safe
as you assumed, reports Christine Climer.
http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/P&B/20044_cytotec.htm

Getting Started With Homeschooling
Susan Mallette takes a peek into the ideas and resources you'll need
for home learning.
http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/EDU/20044_homeschooling.htm

"Those Kids are Just Like Me!"
Check out the AP and natural family books for children on the NFO
Bookshelf.
http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/NFB/index.htm

Make Today Magical
Alicia Bayer shares 10 magical ways to find the joy in any day.
http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/Magic/index.htm

We've got a huge issue this month! We have literally dozens of more
new articles. Visit the New This Month section on our home page for
a complete list of what's new this month.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Got questions? Find the answers!

Question: Our two boys, ages 7 and 9, are constantly fighting. The
only thing that works is to separate them -- my wife with one, and I
take the other. It's driving us nuts. Do you have any suggestions?
Mark Brandenburg responds:
http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/Q&A/20044gd.htm

Question: We are eating way too much junk food. We want to clean up
our family's diet. Help!
Karen Prior responds:
http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/Q&A/20044_nutr.htm

… and still more NEW questions and answers on natural family living.
Visit Questions & Answers to see them all:
http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/Q&A/index.htm

Have a question of your own? Send it to our experts at
[email protected]. We'll forward them on to our
experts and publish as many as possible. (Sorry, personal responses
are not available.)

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

What do you think?

How do you cope when you fall off the wagon into not-so-natural
ways? Let's talk!
http://naturalfamilyonline.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=238

How useful do you find natural product and book reviews? Do you rely
on them to find new products? Do you disagree with most of them and
skip reading them? Let us know how you feel in our monthly poll:
http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

NFO eUpdate Feature:
Eggs-travagant Eggs -- Wonderfully Simple and Oh, So Impressive!
By Rondi Hillstrom Davis and Janell Sewall Oakes

You don't need a $40 Easter egg decorating kit with pages of
instructions to impress your family and guests this Easter – achieve
sophisticated elegance with colors taken directly from nature.
By simply decorating from a myriad of plants and flowers, you can
create a beautiful range of natural colors and textures. Try this
technique; it's simple enough to do with young children.

Ingredients:

Gather together eggs, an enamel or stainless steel pot, vinegar,
cheesecloth, a rubber band and plant materials such as onionskins,
blueberries, pecan hulls, parsley, beets or dandelions.

Directions:

1. To prepare the dye bath, fill a pot with two or three cups of
plant material. Barely cover it with water (more plant material
produces stronger colors.) Simmer for at least 30 minutes. Add water
and stir as needed. The dyes can be made several days in advance and
stored in the refrigerator. Strain and heat the dye before using it.

2. Use hard-boiled or blown-out eggs. Carefully wash the eggs with
soap and water. Allow them to dry. Wipe the eggs with vinegar.

3. To decorate the eggs, moisten small leaves and grasses one at a
time. Press them firmly against the egg. Hold them in place by
wrapping the eggs in a six-inch square of cheesecloth or nylon
pantyhose. Pull the cloth tight against the egg and secure it with a
rubber band. Immerse the egg in a container of warm dye. Some dyes
are stronger than others. The process may take only a few moments or
several hours. Dyes derived from yellow onionskin, red onionskin and
blueberries all provide quick results.

4. Unwrap the eggs, drain and let them dry upright.

What a magical and unpredictable process! Each lustrous egg is a
unique surprise. Some of our favorites were the results of happy
accidents. Enjoy discovering!

Rondi Hillstrom Davis and Janell Sewall Oakes are the co-authors of
the award-winning book "Together: Creating Family Traditions." To
check out their web site that's jam packed with family ideas, visit
http://www.togetherparenting.com. To subscribe to their online
newsletter, go to http://www.togetherparenting.com/feedback.asp.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Visit our sponsors:

Mama Me and More
From conception on: mama, baby and more. We sell wooden toys, baby
slings, organic creams, labor kits, welcome kits, casting kits,
gripe water, nursing products, books (pregnancy, parenting) and
more. http://www.mamameandmore.com

Dynamic Vision Helping Fathers Succeed
Are you a father who'd like to improve relationships in your family?
Or are you struggling to balance your work and family life? If
you're a father looking to improve, let Mark Brandenburg assist you
with father coaching as well as business and personal coaching.
http://www.markbrandenburg.com

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Send this newsletter to a friend!
Do you know someone who would enjoy reading Natural Family Online?
Send this newsletter to them, or send a link so they can sign up for
themselves:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Natural_Family_Online_newsletter/join

Advertise with Natural Family Online magazine.
Advertise here in NFO's monthly newsletter as well as on Natural
Family Online and the NFO discussion boards. To receive advertising
details, please contact [email protected].


Spring into the season with NFO … naturally!

March 2004 Newsletter

Natural Family Online News
March 2004
Natural Family Online magazine
http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Visit our featured sponsor:

Wake up with your boss!
I do every morning, and I love it. They are ages 5, 4 and 3. After
looking and being scammed for four years, I found a legit home-based
business. Free information, no obligation!
http://momof3angels.stayinhomeandlovinit.com

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

In the News:
What if you don't breastfeed your baby?
You've already read NFO's special report about the health
risks
associated with infant formula – so this month, we bring you the
tools you need to optimize the health of your bottle-fed baby. How
can you minimize the risks and maximize your baby's health
potential? Read Dr. Linda Folden Palmer's new article.
http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/BF/20043_formula.htm

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

New Featured Articles:

Java Jolt
Is that savory cup of steaming coffee really fair trade, organic
coffee – or have you been duped? The Organic Consumers
Association
offers tips on how to tell.
http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/NFL/20043_coffee.htm

When It Has to Be Formula
Dr. Linda Folden Palmer reviews the steps you can take to maximize
health and minimize risks for your formula-fed baby.
http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/BF/20043_formula.htm

When You've Got Questions …
… we've got the answers! Read what our experts have to say
about
natural family living, and send in a question of your own.
http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/Q&A/index.htm

51 Easy Ways to Go Green
Pressed for time? Tabitha Tucker offers a down-and-dirty checklist
of ideas for greening up your family's lifestyle.
http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/NFL/20043_green.htm

Getting to the Bottom of Diaper Rash
Elizabeth Pantley reviews the basics of dealing with diaper rash:
http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/BL/20043_diaperash.htm
And Susy Goins offers some natural recipes and ideas for diaper
wipes and creams:
http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/BL/20043_rashfree.htm

10 Tips for PMS
Natural relief from PMS symptoms is simple with strategies from
Susun Weed.
http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/NH/20043_pms.htm

Breastfeeding and Fertility
Tricia Ballad looks at how breastfeeding affects your fertility –
when you're ready, but your body's not (or the other way
around!).
http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/P&B/20043_nfp.htm

Make today magical
Alicia Bayer shares 10 magical ways to find the joy in any day.
http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/Magic/index.htm

… and dozens more new articles. Visit our Read channel for access
to
all the latest features: http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/read.htm.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

New Advice from our Experts:

Question: I'm interested in do-it-yourself, natural facial care.
Where do I start?
Laura Seipp responds:
http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/Q&A/20043nh2.htm

Question: I feel insecure about how much of an herbal remedy to give
to my child and how often to give it. Are there any easy guidelines
to follow?
Andrea Candee responds:
http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/Q&A/20043nh.htm

… and still more NEW questions for our experts. Visit Ask the
Experts to see them all:
http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/Q&A/index.htm

Have a question of your own? Send it to our experts at
[email protected]. We'll forward them on to our
experts and publish as many as possible.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Discuss!

How did you come to learn about natural family planning? Have you
discovered a great way to respond to jokes about the rhythm method?
Looking to connect with other couples who know their BBT?

Join the discussion at the NFO discussion boards:
http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=218

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Visit our sponsors:

Baby Matters: What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Caring for
Your Baby is a groundbreaking book that contains solid, never-before
published scientific knowledge, gathered by Dr. Linda Folden Palmer
in easy-to-digest language for the interested new parent.
http://www.babyreference.com/aboutthebook.htm

Parenting from the Heart Telephone Counseling
Jan Hunt, M.Sc., author of The Natural Child; counseling on issues
involving attachment parenting, homeschooling and personal concerns;
(866) 593-1547.
http://www.naturalchild.org/counseling/

Elizabeth Pantley
Renowned parenting author Elizabeth Pantley offers parenting advice,
hints, tips, links, videos, audiotapes, and books on raising
children with love, compassion, respect and consistency.
http://www.pantley.com/elizabeth/

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Send this newsletter to a friend!
Do you know someone who would enjoy reading Natural Family Online?
Send this newsletter to them, or send a link so they can sign up for
themselves:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Natural_Family_Online_newsletter/join

Advertise with Natural Family Online magazine.
Advertise here in NFO's monthly newsletter as well as on Natural
Family Online and the NFO discussion boards. To receive advertising
details, please contact [email protected].


Enjoy your blustery March … naturally!

february 2004 Newsletter

Natural Family Online News
February 2004
Natural Family Online magazine
http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Visit our featured sponsor:

Wake up with your boss!
I do every morning, and I love it. They are ages 5, 4 and 3. After
looking and being scammed for four years, I found a legit home-based
business. Free information, no obligation!
http://momof3angels.stayinhomeandlovinit.com

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

In the News:

This site is best viewed while wearing your baby.
If you haven't scrolled down to the fine print at the bottom of our
home page, you probably missed seeing this little gem of wisdom. To
us at NFO, it's more than just a catchy little saying. Being close
to the people you love forms the very basis of attachment parenting
and a natural, connected family lifestyle. That's why NFO is
bringing you a special series of articles and reviews this month on
babywearing and slings.
http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/editorial/20042.htm

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

New Featured Articles:

Wear your baby!
NFO takes a special look at slings and babywearing this month.
Snuggle close to your little one and share Patricia Newton's take on
babywearing at
http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/AP/20042_babywear.htm.
Review babywearing FAQs from KangarooKorner.com at
http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/AP/20042_slings.htm.
Peruse reviews:
The BabyBjorn Original
http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/PR/20042_babybjorn.htm
The Chinese Mei Tai
http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/PR/20042_meitai.htm
The New Native Baby Carrier
http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/PR/20042_newnative.htm
The Maya Wrap
http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/PR/20042_mayawrap.htm

Countering the mainstream madness
It seems that everyone from your family physician to your busybody
neighbor has something to say about winter colds and flu. Christine
Climer lends an objective view on the conventional wisdom at
http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/NH/20042_illnessmyths.htm, while
Susy Goins takes a homeopathic approach at
http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/NH/20042_sniffles.htm.

Go diaper-free!
There is an alternative to diapers! Ingrid Bauer opens up the world
of natural infant hygiene:
http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/BL/20042_hygiene.htm
And Laurie Boucke takes a look at infant potty training:
http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/BL/20042_infantpotty.htm

When you've got questions …
… we've got answers. Read the latest on natural parenting from our
panel of experts, or send in a question of your own.
http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/Q&A/index.htm

Do you really need a mammogram?
Susun Weed helps you decide and offers you a spectrum of healthy
breast strategies.
http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/NH/20042_mammogram.htm

Hypnotic childbirth
Could hypnosis be the answer to a natural childbirth? Kerry
Tuschhoff shows you what hypnobirth is all about.
http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/P&B/20042_hypnobirth.htm

Make today magical
Alicia Bayer shares 10 magical ways to find the joy in any day.
http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/Magic/index.htm

… and dozens more new articles. Visit our Read channel for access to
all the latest features: http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/read.htm.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

New Advice from our Experts:

Question: I am in dire need of some help. I have a 4-month-old who
is covered with eczema, which the doctors are saying is allergy
related. She has been tested, and her allergies are wheat, soy, milk
and egg white. We have tried all the infant formulas available in
stores to no avail, so now I am looking for alternatives. Dr. Linda
Folden Palmer responds …
http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/Q&A/20042nutr2.htm

Question: Now that we're homeschooling, how should we structure our
school year? Is it better to study more or less continuously with
short breaks or to follow a more traditional schedule with longer
vacations? Lara Ashmore responds …
http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/Q&A/20042edu.htm

Question: I just got pregnant with our first baby at age 36.
Everyone tells me I'm considered "high risk" and they all talk about
extra tests, inducing labor early, C-sections and all these other
horrors. I'm perfectly healthy – I just started having babies later
than most, I guess. Am I really at such high risk of complications?
Becky Burpo responds …
http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/Q&A/20042p&b.htm

Question: Whenever one of my children gets a splinter, a
distressing scene ensues. Either they run from the mean mommy with
the sterilized needle, or they painfully cry for both of us as I try
to be quick about removing it. There must be another way! Andrea
Candee responds …
http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/Q&A/20042nh2.htm

… and still more NEW questions for our experts. Visit Ask the
Experts to see them all:
http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/Q&A/index.htm

Have a question of your own? Send it to our experts at
[email protected]. We'll forward them on to our
experts and publish as many as possible.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Discuss!

I think I'd like to try carrying my baby in a sling or carrier. How
do I decide what sort of carrier or sling to use? What types do you
recommend?

Join the discussion at the NFO discussion boards:
http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=159

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Visit our sponsors:

Baby Matters: What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Caring for
Your Baby is a groundbreaking book that contains solid, never-before
published scientific knowledge, gathered by Dr. Linda Folden Palmer
in easy-to-digest language for the interested new parent.
http://www.babyreference.com/aboutthebook.htm

Parenting from the Heart Telephone Counseling
Jan Hunt, M.Sc., author of The Natural Child; counseling on issues
involving attachment parenting, homeschooling and personal concerns;
(866) 593-1547.
http://www.naturalchild.org/counseling/

Elizabeth Pantley
Renowned parenting author Elizabeth Pantley offers parenting advice,
hints, tips, links, videos, audiotapes, and books on raising
children with love, compassion, respect and consistency.
http://www.pantley.com/elizabeth/

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Send this newsletter to a friend!
Do you know someone who would enjoy reading Natural Family Online?
Send this newsletter to them, or send a link so they can sign up for
themselves:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Natural_Family_Online_newsletter/join

Advertise with Natural Family Online magazine.
Advertise here in NFO's monthly newsletter as well as on Natural
Family Online and the NFO discussion boards. To receive advertising
details, please contact [email protected].


Have a great February … naturally!

January 2004 Newsletter

Natural Family Online News
January 2004
Natural Family Online magazine
http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Visit our sponsors:
Baby Matters: What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Caring for
Your Baby is a groundbreaking book that only a mother with both
rigorous scientific training and an extensive alternative health
practice could have assembled. Dr. Linda Folden Palmer uncovers the
hidden consequences of parenting choices, both physiological and
psychological, and filters out what is not valid or substantiated.
Baby Matters is not just another rehash of conventional advice;
neither is it an extremist's cry. It contains solid, never-before
published scientific knowledge in easy-to-digest language for the
interested new parent.
http://www.babyreference.com/aboutthebook.htm

Parenting from the Heart Telephone Counseling
Jan Hunt, M.Sc., author of The Natural Child; counseling on issues
involving attachment parenting, homeschooling and personal concerns;
(866) 593-1547.
http://www.naturalchild.org/counseling/

Elizabeth Pantley
Renowned parenting author Elizabeth Pantley offers parenting advice,
hints, tips, links, videos, audiotapes, and books on raising
children with love, compassion, respect and consistency.
http://www.pantley.com/elizabeth/

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

In the News:
Do you deserve to know the facts?

Natural Family Online watched with a mixture of amusement, sadness
and disgust as forces rushed to refute the bare facts laid out in
Dr. Linda Folden Palmer's special report on doubled death rates for
formula-fed American babies
(http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/BF/200312-formula-report.htm),
featured in last month's NFO. The report received widespread
attention from parents and media across the globe but was
predictably ignored by mainstream media and medicine.

In fact, on the heels of the report's publication at NFO came news
of infant formula makers' blocking of the Ad Council's National
Breastfeeding Awareness Campaign. Formula companies contacted board
members and executives at organizations such as the American Academy
of Pediatrics, the National Institutes of Health, the National WIC
Association and the Centers for Disease Control, criticizing the Ad
Council's breastfeeding campaign for being negative, being critical of formula and making formula-feeders feel guilty. The complaints have effectively brought the campaign to a standstill. Read more at
http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/editorial/20041.htm.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

New Featured Articles:

Top 10 uses for a crib (other than sleeping!)
Gina Ritter offers some ideas for this piece of furniture that you might not have considered.
http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/AP/20041_10crib.htm

When your parenting comes under fire
People say the darnedest things sometimes -- and natural parenting practices can be a common target in mainstream America. Lisa Poisso provides some strategies for responding.
http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/NFL/20041_underfire.htm

Coping with slow labor
Slow labor isn't necessarily a problem. Patricia Newton gives you tools for coping with lazy labor.
http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/P&B/20041_slowlabor.htm

New Education Feature!
Earth Keeper unit study activities
Enjoy this literature-based unit study and activity guide with an ecological bent – a new monthly educational feature from Susan Mallette.
http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/EDU/20041_EK.htm

Vitamin D: Sunlight or supplement?
Christine Climer looks at your family's needs for Vitamin D. What are the possible sources, and what's behind the new supplementation recommendations?
http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/NH/20041_VitD.htm

… and dozens more new articles. Visit our Read channel for access to all the latest features: http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/read.htm.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

New Advice from our Experts:

Question: My daughter is almost 18 months old. For a while, I was starting to see the process of natural weaning taking place. She was eating more solids and nursing less. But now it seems like she is going in reverse. She nurses more and eats less solids. Is this normal?
Linda Folden Palmer responds:
http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/Q&A/20041breast2.htm

Question: My baby won't nap! She fights sleep but gets fussier and fussier as the day progresses. It also seems that on days when she doesn't nap, she doesn't sleep well at night either. It's a huge struggle, and I am at my wit's end. How can I get her to nap? Please help!
Elizabeth Pantley responds:
http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/Q&A/20041night-time.htm

Question: I am recently separated from my wife, and my kids are not handling things very well (nor am I). I try to be strong and affectionate when I am with them because I do love them dearly. My question to you is have you found within your experience that children in this position cannot handle criticism well and flaunt you in regard to what you have taught them in the past? Jan Hunt responds: http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/Q&A/20041gd.htm

Question: We recently had a traumatic trip to the emergency room for my daughter's bleeding cut. No matter how much I wrapped it, the bleeding wouldn't stop. Is there anything I could have done with herbs to help stem the flow?
Andrea Candee responds:
http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/Q&A/20041nh.htm

Question: I have heard some controversial statements concerning the use of sodium lauryl sulfate, or SLS. Can you tell me exactly what SLS is, how it is used, and whether or not I should be concerned? Laura Seipp responds:
http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/Q&A/20041nh2.htm

… and still more NEW questions for our experts. Visit Ask the Experts to see them all:
http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/Q&A/index.htm

Have a question of your own? Send it to our experts at
[email protected]. We'll forward them on to our experts and publish as many as possible.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

On the Bookshelf:

Looking for information on the latest and greatest books about natural family lifestyles? Visit our fledgling Bookshelf channel. We'll be adding new listings every month, keeping you up to date with all the hot new releases on natural topics!
http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/NFB/index.htm

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Discuss!

I am inquiring to see if anyone has thoughts on church nurseries or mom-day-out programs (where a church or daycare offers one day or half day a week care for babies). My gut doesn't like the idea of nurseries--even for a bit of time, but I need to hear some others thoughts on this. Does it depend on the age of baby? Or the location?

Does out-of-home child care have a place in the natural family? Join the discussion at the NFO discussion boards.
http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=135

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Send this newsletter to a friend!
Do you know someone who would enjoy reading Natural Family Online? Send this newsletter to them, or send a link so they can sign up for themselves:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Natural_Family_Online_newsletter/join

Advertise with Natural Family Online magazine.
Advertise here in NFO's monthly newsletter as well as on Natural Family Online and the NFO discussion boards. To receive advertising details, please contact [email protected].

Join for Article Updates

Join our monthly newsletter for new article updates and exclusive articles only found on the NFO eUpdate!