Bio diversity is a great term in nutrition. It basically means that what works for one person may not work for another. Like I need protein to function, but I have several vegetarian friends who feel sick if they eat meat.
I think the term applies to parenting as well. The attachment parenting method might work for one family, while another is more free range in their approach. Sadly, a sense of judgment seems to surround both our parenting choices and our food choices.
And yet, the whole concept of biodiversity implies that one size indeed does not fit all. It makes sense if you think about it. Our ancestors who grew up in fishing villages were able to metabolize protein in a way that more agricultural based societies probably could not. And yet, people who have experienced great success either with paleo or vegetarian diets, formula or breast fed infants or you name the parenting approach sometimes forget that what worked for them may not work for everyone.
I think there is a better way. A biodiversity way. I’d like to advocate that instead of feeling the need to force our way of doing things on anyone else, or feeling defensive is anyone advocates an approach (be it parenting, nutrition or anything else) that doesn’t gel with our sensibilities, we just mark it up to biodiversity. My mom used to say “that’s why there’s chocolate, vanilla and strawberry,” referring of course to the limited three flavors of ice cream that some of us grew up with. Since I now know that ice cream is not the healthiest choice, I think I’ll modify it to “that’s why there’s biodiversity”.
If I offended anyone with this post (or any other), please don’t judge. Just mark it up to biodiversity.
Bio diversity in parenting
Bio diversity is a great term in nutrition. It basically means that what works for one person may not work for another. Like I need protein to function, but I have several vegetarian friends who feel sick if they eat meat.
I think the term applies to parenting as well. The attachment parenting method might work for one family, while another is more free range in their approach. Sadly, a sense of judgment seems to surround both our parenting choices and our food choices.
And yet, the whole concept of biodiversity implies that one size indeed does not fit all. It makes sense if you think about it. Our ancestors who grew up in fishing villages were able to metabolize protein in a way that more agricultural based societies probably could not. And yet, people who have experienced great success either with paleo or vegetarian diets, formula or breast fed infants or you name the parenting approach sometimes forget that what worked for them may not work for everyone.
I think there is a better way. A biodiversity way. I’d like to advocate that instead of feeling the need to force our way of doing things on anyone else, or feeling defensive is anyone advocates an approach (be it parenting, nutrition or anything else) that doesn’t gel with our sensibilities, we just mark it up to biodiversity. My mom used to say “that’s why there’s chocolate, vanilla and strawberry,” referring of course to the limited three flavors of ice cream that some of us grew up with. Since I now know that ice cream is not the healthiest choice, I think I’ll modify it to “that’s why there’s biodiversity”.
If I offended anyone with this post (or any other), please don’t judge. Just mark it up to biodiversity.