Parents' Guide to Natural Health Care for Children

For moms who'd prefer to use Arnica instead of first-aid spray when their child gets a scrape, or for dads who'd pick cayenne pepper or chamomile to treat a fever and cough instead of Robitussin, Sullivan's guide to natural health care is a boon. The author, whose childcare philosophy was the subject of a BBC documentary, presents a comprehensive plan for holistic health for children's bodies, minds and spirits; she also covers illness and natural treatments for common ailments. In soothing language, Sullivan explains nontraditional child-rearing subjects, including color therapy (along with suggestions for what color to paint a child's room); vegetarianism and veganism; and the emotional life of a spiritually healthy family. She tackles more conventional parenting subjects, too, offering advice on getting kids to exercise, giving children an outlet to let off steam and childproofing the home. Although the book lacks an introduction that would pull all these diverse subjects together, it does offer valuable counsel and should please parents looking for an alternative guide to raising their children.