Cosmic Nutrition and Children
The human being has been described as a microcosm of the universe ; in the sense that all things to be found our world can also be found in the human constitution ; and all that exists in the human being also lives spread around us in the world. Relationships between the kingdoms of nature and our constitution form the basis for remedies in anthroposophical medicine. For everyday life, regular, restoring contact with nature is important to our health. These influences are especially important in childhood, when the body is built up “as if from nothing” in preparation for life.
In their first seven years, children learn by imitating their parents and teachers. They “imitate” the wholeness and vitality of nature into themselves too. Sunshine, fresh air and nature impressions build up the child’s body as much as any food. If children find an ongoing relationship to nature, it can also sustain them all their lives. As adults we make the “introductions” in this relationship, and can nurture it in its early phases.
A second “cosmic nutrition” need of both adults and children, is a need for beauty. An aesthetic environment in the home, gracious conversation and behavior - a child incorporates these experiences even into its body and physiological processes. Experiences of beauty through the arts or music also fall in this category.
Conversely, children share with adults a need for protection from noxious or toxic environmental elements. These include both harmful substances and impressions insulting to the senses and soul.
The work of building up the body’s organs makes children more vulnerable than adults, and dependent on the shelter we provide. This includes oversight of the child’s exposure to heat and cold, eliminating toxic products in our homes, and protecting children’s senses from overstimulation of all kinds. Here our tasks become very specific.
Irritating detergents, outgassing effects of construction materials, chemicals spread on the grass and garden, all affect children more than they do adults. Questions must also arise concerning television watching, early computer and video game use, and the kinds and loudness of music children are exposed to.
Additionally, it falls to us to notice the soul atmosphere we create around children. Our impulsive or compulsive behaviors, critical or cynical attitudes, work forcefully on them. When we argue or discuss our problems around children, they often take responsibility for our needs - to their detriment. Some spend great energy resisting parental influences - others may simply imitate them.
Lastly, we need to consider the timing of children’s exposure to certain experiences. This is the issue of age appropriateness. Infants a month old or less can be seen in busy shopping malls, often hatless or with bare arms and legs ; we see children under a year old parked in front of the TV, constantly in the car, pushed at terrifying (for them) speeds in running buggies in the park. Early intense stimulation of children’s senses, introduction of electronic media, early reading and academic challenges, follow quickly on one another. As parents and adults, we must become serious students of child development, learn what the limits are - and put what we learn into practice.
The concept of cosmic nutrition indicates that externally received substances and sense impressions have direct effects on body organs, and on development overall. Parents and adults have the power – and responsibility – to promote healthy influences and experiences for children, and screen out harmful ones. The following may be some helpful resources concerning child development, age appropriateness and environmental toxic substance issues :
A Guide to Child Health - Dr Michaela Gloeckler and Dr Wolfgang Goebel
Phases of Childhood - Dr Bernard Lievegoed
You Are Your Child’s First Teacher - Rahima Baldwin Dancy
Beyond the Rainbow’s Bridge : Nurturing Our Children from Birth to Seven - Barbara J. Patterson
Natural Childhood : The First Practical and Holistic Guide for Parents of the Developing Child - John Thompson
Parenting a Path through Childhood - Dotty Turner Coplen
Teaching Academics in Preschool and Kindergarten - Dr. Susan R.Johnson
Toxic Environmental Substances : What Every Parent Should Know - Jeff Smith RN
The human being has been described as a microcosm of the universe ; in the sense that all things to be found our world can also be found in the human constitution ; and all that exists in the human being also lives spread around us in the world. Relationships between the kingdoms of nature and our constitution form the basis for remedies in anthroposophical medicine. For everyday life, regular, restoring contact with nature is important to our health. These influences are especially important in childhood, when the body is built up “as if from nothing” in preparation for life.
In their first seven years, children learn by imitating their parents and teachers. They “imitate” the wholeness and vitality of nature into themselves too. Sunshine, fresh air and nature impressions build up the child’s body as much as any food. If children find an ongoing relationship to nature, it can also sustain them all their lives. As adults we make the “introductions” in this relationship, and can nurture it in its early phases.
A second “cosmic nutrition” need of both adults and children, is a need for beauty. An aesthetic environment in the home, gracious conversation and behavior - a child incorporates these experiences even into its body and physiological processes. Experiences of beauty through the arts or music also fall in this category.
Conversely, children share with adults a need for protection from noxious or toxic environmental elements. These include both harmful substances and impressions insulting to the senses and soul.
The work of building up the body’s organs makes children more vulnerable than adults, and dependent on the shelter we provide. This includes oversight of the child’s exposure to heat and cold, eliminating toxic products in our homes, and protecting children’s senses from overstimulation of all kinds. Here our tasks become very specific.
Irritating detergents, outgassing effects of construction materials, chemicals spread on the grass and garden, all affect children more than they do adults. Questions must also arise concerning television watching, early computer and video game use, and the kinds and loudness of music children are exposed to.
Additionally, it falls to us to notice the soul atmosphere we create around children. Our impulsive or compulsive behaviors, critical or cynical attitudes, work forcefully on them. When we argue or discuss our problems around children, they often take responsibility for our needs - to their detriment. Some spend great energy resisting parental influences - others may simply imitate them.
Lastly, we need to consider the timing of children’s exposure to certain experiences. This is the issue of age appropriateness. Infants a month old or less can be seen in busy shopping malls, often hatless or with bare arms and legs ; we see children under a year old parked in front of the TV, constantly in the car, pushed at terrifying (for them) speeds in running buggies in the park. Early intense stimulation of children’s senses, introduction of electronic media, early reading and academic challenges, follow quickly on one another. As parents and adults, we must become serious students of child development, learn what the limits are - and put what we learn into practice.
The concept of cosmic nutrition indicates that externally received substances and sense impressions have direct effects on body organs, and on development overall. Parents and adults have the power – and responsibility – to promote healthy influences and experiences for children, and screen out harmful ones. The following may be some helpful resources concerning child development, age appropriateness and environmental toxic substance issues :
A Guide to Child Health - Dr Michaela Gloeckler and Dr Wolfgang Goebel
Phases of Childhood - Dr Bernard Lievegoed
You Are Your Child’s First Teacher - Rahima Baldwin Dancy
Beyond the Rainbow’s Bridge : Nurturing Our Children from Birth to Seven - Barbara J. Patterson
Natural Childhood : The First Practical and Holistic Guide for Parents of the Developing Child - John Thompson
Parenting a Path through Childhood - Dotty Turner Coplen
Teaching Academics in Preschool and Kindergarten - Dr. Susan R.Johnson
Toxic Environmental Substances : What Every Parent Should Know - Jeff Smith RN
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