eco parenting
pregnancy to year one guide

The essential guide for parents in pregnancy through their child’s first year.

A comprehensive guide for eco minded parents covering pregnancy through the first year.  Filled with practical tips and easy to access information, the book is an invaluable resource for parents. Written by Thanh Cherry, internationally acclaimed early childhood educator and co-authored by Jane Hanckel, the book covers sleep and settling, introducing solids, balancing work and family - all with sound eco-friendly advice.

From the moment of conception through to the first year of life represents one of the most significant journeys for a parent and their child. Eco Parenting - Pregnancy to Year One is a beautifully crafted, well informed guide that supports parents during this special time. This essential guide contains all the practical advice and tips, from feeding and weaning information to choosing childcare and caring for yourself.

Thanh Cherry is a world renowned early childhood educator who brings over thirty-five years of working with children and parents to this important and sensitive book on parenting.   Jane Hanckel has researched international parent education and is founder of the Spirit of Childhood Foundation and author of the Eco parenting - Growing Greener Children This book brings together the wisdom of Cherry and Hanckel to assist parents to raise their children in an eco friendly way.

About the author

Jane Hanckel has been researching parenting, health and education for over 25 years. When Jane's youngest child developed serious eczema and asthma that was unable to be remedied by conventional therapies she educated herself on the importance of environment, diet, time in nature and developmentally appropriate education. Combining this knowledge enabled Jane to be instrumental in remedying her child's eczema and asthma, creating a basis for their family's healthy and sustainable living.

Jane is dedicated to helping children and families lead a healthier, happier and more rewarding way of life. This book is a powerful tool to enable families to raise healthy and happy children.

Jane Hanckel – personal statement

I believe it is possible to create a healthier, happier way of life for our children and our families by becoming aware of the effect of diet, lifestyle and environment has on our well being.

I live my life along the lines that I outline in the Eco Parenting books. I eat healthy food, grown in my garden, at my local community garden and purchased from the local farmers market. I live as close to a chemical free lifestyle as possible. I strive to parent in a way that enables my children to feel nurtured, loved, safe and secure so that they can reach their full physical, emotional, social and intellectual potential. I believe good health is a gift and that developmentally appropriate education and natural medicine have a significant role to play in helping us realise our well being.

I believe that by making wise and sustainable choices, for ourselves and our planet, we can raise healthy, happy children.

When my youngest child developed serious eczema and asthma that was unable to be remedied by conventional therapies I became aware of the crucial importance of environment, diet, time in nature and developmentally appropriate education. Combining this knowledge enabled me to remedy my son’s eczema and asthma and create a basis for my family's ongoing healthy and sustainable living.

In 2007 I established the Spirit of Childhood Foundation (www.spiritofchildhood.org) with Derek Spice to take the Inspir=Ed programs, a replicable and sustainable way of raising children, to socially and economically disadvantaged communities. I have run parenting programs across Australia and have had the privilege to work with some of Australia's leading Indigenous and non-Indigenous health professionals and educators. Gaining wisdom and healing from the natural environment, acknowledging respect, responsibility and rights for self, family, community and country/environment are some of the key elements of the Inspir=Ed programs.

I have delivered keynote and other presentations at Australian and international conferences spanning areas including infant mental health, democratic education, Indigenous community strengths and well being.