Seven Secrets to Raising a Happy and Healthy Child: The Ayurvedic Approach to Parenting

The concept of a mind/body parenting book is great, but this is more like a mind/body pregnancy & baby book (a very different and interesting one). However, I think that the title & subtitle are misleading -- while the use of the words "Child" and "Parenting" are correct (a baby is a child!), there is so much more to parenting older children. I am usually a thorough researcher before I buy, but somehow I missed that. For example, major sections are present on baby massage instructions (would love some instructions for my 2, 4 & 5 year old!), eating during pregnancy, and topics like nursing and post pregnancy care. I haven't read it in it's entirety yet but I've read portions of all the major sections. I will update my review once I do (if I do, considering that I am done having babies!). In the meanwhile, wanted to help anyone else who might be looking at this. This is my first foray into Ayurveda and I find that part interesting, but I clearly need a different resource since her instructions are specific to pregnancy & babies. For example, she tells you how to evaluate your baby and yourself, but I'm not sure how to evaluate my kids -- do I think back to whether they had diaper rash as a baby & apply that to their current state "diagnosis"? Many of the eating recommendations specify that they are for pregnancy only. While she uses many anecdotal stories of her granddaughter to illustrate her points, I would have been helped by more illustrative examples of how her concepts have been implemented by families and the impacts that have resulted, practical application, etc.

The secrets to having a healthy child is about being mindful towards your baby. Center one self. Daily massage for the baby, Yoga and breathing, Good nutrition Nurture yourself. The author was worked at Deepak Chopra's Center. Personally I find the Ayurvedic approach can be difficult to follow in some ways and isn't appealing to me. But lots of good tips for those looking for a more holistic perspective than western medicine. Review is by Ramiel Nagel author of Healing Our Children: Because Your New Baby Matters! Sacred Wisdom for Preconception, Pregnancy, Birth and Parenting (ages 0-6) & Cure Tooth Decay: Heal and Prevent Cavities with Nutrition (First Edition).

Ms. Seyburn's book helped me understand why it is so important to have healthy habits when raising your child. My little boy Jon had many alergies and I was all confused by the complex directions of my traditional doctors, They wanted to put him on alergy shots, etc. Ms. Seyburn's book helped me determine that my child was a Kapha body type and if I would eliminate all dairy and then try stimulating his diet through herbs and vegetsbles eventually his alergies would diminish. He never wanted to play sports or run with the other kids but once I read that that exercise would stimulate his metabulism. So, I insisted he pick a sport to play. He chose scoccer. He feels great when he exercises and he has lost weight and is more balanced than ever. I want to thank Ms. Seyburn for her wise yet simple advise. Thanks again!Tasha Jones

Ms. Seyburn's book is a grandmother's vision for parenting, using timeless ayurvedic principles and spiritually grounded concepts. She makes it easy and clear to apply what she is saying and it is a powerful read for those whose souls are open to the message. An important book for conscious parents.

Wow! I am so happy I've read Seven Secrets to Raising a Happy and Healthy Child before we start having children. It's an inspiring book that will change the outlook you have on family and children. Even for those of you who are skeptical about an holistic approach toward life will be amazed at the logic and sense that this book speaks. Really and truly, read this book before you decide on having children, you've got nothing to lose and so much to gain from it. Great book!