A new discussion group on natural parenting, Pathways Connect – Cyprus, held its first gathering last week where an article on the importance of community for children's development was discussed in an informal setting.
Pathways Connect was set up by mum of two, Veronika Christodoulides, with the aim of connecting like-minded parents to discuss topics on family wellness, based on magazine articles in Pathways to Family Wellness Magazine. The magazine - which is published by The International Chiropractic Pediatric Association – 'provides a professional, first class approach to introducing Family Wellness to parents'.
The meetings in Larnaca are held the first Friday of every month at 8pm and everyone is welcome. During the meeting, one article from the latest issue of the quarterly magazine is discussed. The meeting is held at Theo's Drawing Room, (5, Agias Elenis), in a relaxed environment with refreshments and nibbles, although attendees are also welcome to bring their own bottle of wine or snacks.
The first meeting attracted around 10 parents and was a great success. The article discussed was 'Why Children Need Community' by Peter Gray, Ph.D, where the author says: "Our indigenous roots reveal that children want and need to move beyond attachment to their parents."
Veronika says of the venture: "The purpose of Pathways Connect is to learn and build solid relationships with other families concerned about conscious choice and family wellness.
"Sometimes it is difficult, if you choose to go against mainstream, then you need some emotional support. One example is that today in Cyprus, most people bottle-feed their children. But before formula milk was invented, babies were all breastfed. So if you decide to breastfeed, which is basically the most natural thing in the world, you sometimes don't find enough people around you to support or understand your wish. Then it is much harder."
The group is a bi-communal project that will take place all over the island in the future. Meetings in Nicosia will start on Thursday, June 5 and in Kyrenia on Saturday, June 21.
For more information, or to attend the next meeting, contact Veronika on: 99992477, or visit the Facebook page: Pathways Connect – Cyprus.
