Holistic Parenting: Raising Children to a New Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual Well-Being

Rating:
Summary: Another physician responds
Review: At the outset, I admit I am not a totally unbiased reviewer. I met Lynn at workshop on Complementary/ Alternative Medicine about a year before her book was published. Lynn gave me her card and asked for a reference of the work of Randall Byrd on distant healing prayer. When I became aware that Lynn was writing a book on Holistic Parenting, I offered to do medical proof reading.
As a physician, I really want to respond to the review of Shawn Tessone, criticizing the work, stating "the last two reviewers might take this text as gospel and while her style of writing may be good and easy it does not lend itself to factual data and thus it falls short". I know how meticulous Lynn was in seeking verifiable data to support an area of medicine, which is difficult to research. She has listed over 300 references in her chapter by chapter bibliography. There are at least 700 sources of information on "Holistic Healing" and I think her easy to read style is a good way for most lay people to get through a healing book.
Let me respond to Dr. Tessone's example about fever. Infectious disease specialists are taking a new look a fever as a normal body defense mechanism, faithfully preserved over our process of evolution. In certain diseases such as Influenza A, treatment to reduce fever lengthened the course of the illness. In the 1920's and 30's (pre-antibiotic era), virtually every hospital had a "fever-box" where patients with infections would be placed to induce fever and hopefully shorten the infection. I have references in the peer reviewed scientific literature concerning this if she or others are interested.
In Chapter One she carefully goes over the difference between "Complementary" and "Integrative," the term most Universities now use to describe the interface between the "Conventional" and "Unconventional".
This is an important book and as she points out no one should follow her experience, but at least give it a read, check it out and try what seems reasonable for you.

Rating:
Summary: Another physician responds
Review: At the outset, I admit I am not a totally unbiased reviewer. I met Lynn at workshop on Complementary/ Alternative Medicine about a year before her book was published. Lynn gave me her card and asked for a reference of the work of Randall Byrd on distant healing prayer. When I became aware that Lynn was writing a book on Holistic Parenting, I offered to do medical proof reading.
As a physician, I really want to respond to the review of Shawn Tessone, criticizing the work, stating "the last two reviewers might take this text as gospel and while her style of writing may be good and easy it does not lend itself to factual data and thus it falls short". I know how meticulous Lynn was in seeking verifiable data to support an area of medicine, which is difficult to research. She has listed over 300 references in her chapter by chapter bibliography. There are at least 700 sources of information on "Holistic Healing" and I think her easy to read style is a good way for most lay people to get through a healing book.
Let me respond to Dr. Tessone's example about fever. Infectious disease specialists are taking a new look a fever as a normal body defense mechanism, faithfully preserved over our process of evolution. In certain diseases such as Influenza A, treatment to reduce fever lengthened the course of the illness. In the 1920's and 30's (pre-antibiotic era), virtually every hospital had a "fever-box" where patients with infections would be placed to induce fever and hopefully shorten the infection. I have references in the peer reviewed scientific literature concerning this if she or others are interested.
In Chapter One she carefully goes over the difference between "Complementary" and "Integrative," the term most Universities now use to describe the interface between the "Conventional" and "Unconventional".
This is an important book and as she points out no one should follow her experience, but at least give it a read, check it out and try what seems reasonable for you.

Rating:
Summary: Accessible information
Review: Good gift for first time parents that are open to information about natural ways of raising a family.

Rating:
Summary: Highly Recommended!
Review: I have just finished reading Lynn Wiese Sneyd's recently published book, Holistic Parenting, and think it would be a valuable addition to anyone's library. She has done extensive, extremely competent research into the many related facets of Alternative Medicine and writes with an excellent understanding, includes many interesting true-to-life experiences and, unusual for a book of this category, writes in a good artistic style. As an added bonus, Lynn's sense of humor gently encourages the reader, with a little nudge, to give consideration to the information provided. Contrary to the title, her proven theories extend far beyond Holistic practices for children, and many concepts are equally applicable to new thoughts in Alternative Medicine for adults as well. This truly is the gentle voice of a mother who has walked the path with her own children appealing to other mothers to listen to their own voices and become more involved in health care for their children.

Rating:
Summary: A must read for parents!
Review: I highly recommend this easy to understand book. As a parent, I can easily identify with Ms. Sneyd's examples. Her writing style is superb and will draw you in like a fine novel. I am impressed with the wealth of knowledge contained in this book without being overwhelmed. I like the fact that information is presented in a simple manner without trying to frighten parents about the dangers that lurk around every corner. "Holistic Parenting" gives you choices and empowers you, as the parent, to take charge of your children's health. Ms. Sneyd tackles some pretty tough topics like immunizations (she has chosen not to give her children all of them), environmental and food issues, and holistic dentistry to name just a few. I think the majority of parents will be able to identify with the author's experiences and will appreciate this easy guide to a holistic parenting approach.

Rating:
Summary: Accessible information
Review: I know it has been stated in other reviews that this text was well researched, but that research doesn't come through in the actual text....she includes things in the bibliography. Much of the information the author gives in the book is anecdotal at best such as her husbands recovery once switching to alternative medicine and her children responding to different therapies where conventional medicine failed. I think she brings across the fact that there are indeed different things one can do other than conventional medicines and that alternative therapy is at times a way to go. The problem I have with this book is that there are people out there like the last two reviewers that might take this text as gospel and while her style of writing may be good and easy to read it does not lend itself to factual data and thus it falls short. Go ahead and try and treat your child with a fever of 103 with something that you are unsure of and see if it works; personally that frightens me. If you are interested in a texts that explain the organic means of living then tune into some of Andrew Weil, M.D.'s texts at least he is a medical physician who can back up some of his practice with theory and research. It is a good read and I would recommend it, but at the same time I would take it with a grain of salt.

Rating:
Summary: A simple read with not enough research
Review: I know it has been stated in other reviews that this text was well researched, but that research doesn't come through in the actual text....she includes things in the bibliography. Much of the information the author gives in the book is anecdotal at best such as her husbands recovery once switching to alternative medicine and her children responding to different therapies where conventional medicine failed. I think she brings across the fact that there are indeed different things one can do other than conventional medicines and that alternative therapy is at times a way to go. The problem I have with this book is that there are people out there like the last two reviewers that might take this text as gospel and while her style of writing may be good and easy to read it does not lend itself to factual data and thus it falls short. Go ahead and try and treat your child with a fever of 103 with something that you are unsure of and see if it works; personally that frightens me. If you are interested in a texts that explain the organic means of living then tune into some of Andrew Weil, M.D.'s texts at least he is a medical physician who can back up some of his practice with theory and research. It is a good read and I would recommend it, but at the same time I would take it with a grain of salt.

Rating:
Summary: A terrific read!
Review: This book was fascinating because it told the story of an ordinary American family facing a sudden medical crisis and the loss of their entire way of life. It shows what this family did and how the strategies worked out. Besides being fun to read, this book's information is interesting and well-researched.

Rating:
Summary: A Very Good Book
Review: This is a very good book. In my opinion, it is a perfect first book for anyone who is interested in learning more about holistic health or holistic parenting. It is interesting, informative and easy to read. One of the more surprising and enjoyable qualities of the book is the clarity and familiarity of Sneyd's writing style. It makes the reader feel as if they were sitting down over coffee with a childhood friend and sharing what they've been up to the last decade. Sneyd has obviously been on a voyage of discovery and has shared her experiences with insight and good humor. I would definitely recommend it for anyone who is curious about holistic health.