Misadventures of a Parenting Yogi

Parenting is certainly not an exact science.

You can take all the classes and read all the books you want, but until you find what really works for you, it can be a challenge.

Fortunately, based on some recent research, there are quite a few viable "alternative" ways of parenting that reap some good, well-adjusted kids.

Brian Leaf has compiled some of these techniques into his book, Misadventures of a Parenting Yogi: Cloth Diapers, Co-Sleeping, and My (Sometimes Successful) Quest for Conscious Parenting.

Brian joins Andrea and Lisa to share some insight on what works for him, and what might ultimately work for you.

An important concept in Brian's book is unconditional parenting: raising your kids in a way so they realize that you love them unconditionally; not because of what they do, or how they behave, but just because they are.

Drawing from parenting experts and educators like Alfie Kohn and Larry Cohen, Brian also advocates concepts like playful parenting and rough-housing with your kids. This can be an incredible bonding experience for fathers, especially those dads who feel a bit uncomfortable in the "nurturing" role.

The book offers additional advice on being creative in raising your kids, because as a parent, you can run out of steam after constantly feeling "on" in that role.

Finally, Brian speaks about his own experience in finding his passion. He says that when you're not in alignment with your heart, you can become depressed. Do things that matter to you, that you care about. If you represent passion and heart in your work, you become a happier, healthier person, and that in turn can only benefit your kids as well.