The Relearning Process

We are our parents children. We are raised by them, led by them and most of us inevitably become them.  It only makes sense.  This is how we are conditioned. Growing up, what comes in is usually filtered and tweaked through their perception of reality and what they think is in our best interest.  Their perception of reality soon becomes our perception of reality in one way or another.  For example, I was raised on no fat/low fat labels and college after high school. Junk food could only be found hidden under my bed and Nintendo was not necessary when you have nature.  Seatbelts were an accessory and breakfast was a necessity.  Being 'on time' meant 30 minutes late and bike/riding helmets were exempt.     

Our thoughts and lifestyles are also shaped by society.  "First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes baby in a baby carriage." Do you remember that rhyme? I am not saying it is bad by any means, but just to provoke some thought ask yourself these questions; "Why is blue associated with boys and pink with girls?" "Why are the majority of American's indebted to someone?" Yes, a mortgage or car loan count.  "Why must we wear shoes, or clothes for that matter?" 40hr work week. Need I say more? "How about health insurance, car insurance, life insurance, home insurance etc." And the list goes on.

Only out of mere curiosity and the desire to explore, I have come to a point where I would like to learn things on my own terms and make my own perception of reality, this is what I call "The Relearning Process". 

Immunizations

I know this tends to be a touchy subject.  Most parents either feel strongly one way or another about immunizing their kids.  However, there are also a large number of parents that are stuck in the middle, this blog is geared towards them.  The norm is to immunize as a baby and then periodically through life.  The number, type, and contents of vaccines has many parents questioning the norm.  Rising numbers in autism is also a huge concern. 

What is worse, giving the immunizations and risking a child's health or not giving them and risking the child's health? Which risk is greater? As a new mother, this the first challenging decision among many and there really is not much help readily available.  As soon as your baby is born they are trying to give him or her a shot for Hepatitis B. If you are not prepared for it, which most new parents are not, you instantly get put on the spot to make a decision.  You are trying to adapt to the overwhelming idea of being a new parent and you already have this weighted decision on your shoulders.  I am not saying one way is right and one way is wrong, but I am saying it is wise to do your homework beforehand and ask questions so that you can feel confident in your decision. 

As I asked around to other new parents, I found that most had the same questions that I had.  This was very comforting and unsettling at the same time.  I don't disagree with immunizations; I think that they are vital for saving lives. I do, however, have questions that were not being answered.  Like, for instance, why is it that science cannot link autism and immunizations, but every story that I have heard from parents with an autistic child can relate it back to the exact time of an immunization? It is all very puzzling.

I watched a PBS documentary called The Vaccine War. Although most people think it favors mainstream, I believe it really gave a fair representation of both sides of the situation. If you are challenging this norm, it is a good video to watch.  Also, it is important to know that there are doctors that see both sides, the documentary did not touch on that.  These doctors in the middle understand the importance of immunizations, but also consider other factors, which makes their recommendations slightly different then mainstream. These doctors are hard to find, but "where there is a will there is a way".  They can give you a fresh perspective on the topic so that you can make the educated decision on your own. 

Bottom line, I know there is a lot to do when preparing for a baby; decorating the nursery, baby showers, doctor appointments every week, etc., but try and do your homework before you deliver if you have questions.  I found the best resource to be other moms, new and old.  If you still don't have your questions answered, find a doctor that is willing to help you get your answer and help you feel confident one way or the other.  Without guidence, the middle is a very unsettling place to be.                  

Inconvenienced by the Convenient

Working on becoming a better consumer this past week has been challenging. It's amazing how my life had conformed around convenience and not what is ethical. Unfortunately, I think most Americans conform as I did.

I know the idea of wasting less does not seem astronomical, but you should try it. Once you are stuck in your ways it is very difficult to change your norm, or maybe it's just me. I question everything I do now. I managed to only toss 5% of what I would typically, but it took work. I had to pick through my full trash can twice to sort out the recyclable and compostables, both times were nauseating.

I also had to do my homework. I didn't realize how little I knew until I started sorting through my trash. I contacted the township to find out the do's and don't's of recycling. They were a huge help. I also downloaded a great app called WGW Recycle. It made it so easy, you type in what you want to recycle and it tells you exactly what to do with it. It even directs you to local recycling sites that take some of the things are typically not accepted.

Our fast paced society that demands convenience has made it so difficult to live life otherwise. Everything we eat, drink or buy is individually packaged to make things fast and easy. I have to quickly to make some process changes for my family and me or it will never work. What I learned from the app and the township was a start, but I have a whole lot more work to do to have an easy, streamlined system.