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Breastfeeding is the best nutrition for healthy growth and development of babies. Good maternal nutrition helps sustain an adequate supply and quality of breast milk. Unnecessary introduction of bottle-feeding, partially or fully, or of other complementary foods and drinks may have a negative impact on breastfeeding, which may be irreversible. Consult your doctor and consider the social and financial implications before deciding to use breast milk substitutes or if you have difficulty breastfeeding. Follow usage, preparation and storage instructions of breast milk substitutes or of other complementary foods and drinks carefully as improper or unnecessary use may pose a health hazard.

Growing Up Together Naturally

Natural Parenting in New Zealand: Where Parenting is Child’s Play

Famously known as the “Paradise of the Pacific” and even “God’s own country”, New Zealand offers some of the world’s most jaw-dropping scenery and natural attractions that lift, soothe and inspire. So how has living so intimately within the wonders of nature influenced the Kiwis’ parenting style? Here’s what we know.

Kiwi parents lead their kids in exploring nature

Swimming in the ocean, bush hiking and spotting friendly wildlife in the middle of nowhere is a big part of family life in New Zealand¹. Taking kids out to follow in their literal footsteps not only helps little ones develop a natural taste for adventure, it also gives parents a chance to spend time in natural surroundings.

Kiwi parents and kids go barefoot everywhere

Barefoot freedom is ingrained into the Kiwis’ national identity². As peculiar as it may seem, many are raised to be perfectly comfortable wandering barefoot on the streets, in restaurants, grocery stores and even clinics.

In school, children are required to arrive and leave in shoes, but they don’t have to wear them during the time in between¹. It’s believed that going shoeless helps kids toughen up their characters as well as their soles.

Kiwi parents and kids are both involved in cultivating life skills

In school, rather than focusing on academic studies, there’s a bigger push for kids to learn outdoor, practical skills such as gardening, cooking, woodworking, sewing – and even the legendary haka¹! This means that when Kiwi parents help their kids with “homework”, they go all in and get their hands dirty to learn or refresh important life skills together.

How Kiwi Mums Grow

As they embrace the wonders of nature with their kids and guide them to discover more, Kiwi mums often find new inspiration and gain fresh insights through the eyes of their children.

How Kiwi Kids Grow

By experiencing all of nature’s elements first-hand, Kiwi kids develop a hardy mentality and are encouraged to follow their curiosity with a sense of adventure.

Easy Parenting Tips to try at home!

Plan a “dirty” day! Get the kids and have everyone dress up in old clothes that are ready to be recycled.
Find a park with shower facilities so you can clean up easily after.
Go all out and embrace nature’s elements! Introduce your kids to the sights, smells and textures of all things natural. Encourage them to get their hands and feet wet and dirty.
There's no school like nature, so enjoy the process and have fun!

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