Welcome to this special edition of Natural Family Newsletter. This month we are celebrating and honouring Dads! Often a little on the outer of parenting circles we decided to devote some time and energy to fatherhood and the rich and diverse landscape of men as parents. In this issue we have a guest editorial by my more silent partner, Richard McLachlan. He is the cyber brains behind our operation but has decided to put pen to paper for this special issue. Neil Humphreys also shares an extract from his new book, Be My Baby, a humorous look at his journey to fatherhood. Pete Aldin, a loyal NP writer, shares his learnings about working with his young son and Jason Jackson, Naturopath and an author talks about male fertility.

At Natural Family Publishing we would like to devote some time and space to supporting and celebrating fatherhood in an ongoing way. We know there are heaps of Dads out there who would really value an opportunity to contribute and be heard on what is like being a parent, partner, worker and all the rest that men bring to raising families. So as a first step we have devoted a special section of our forum to fatherhood. This is a place to share your stories and gain support - a place to get new ideas and connect with other men. We have a vision to create a space where men can be honest and acknowledged and be seen as a legitimate and valuable part of the natural parenting community. So join us at http://forums.naturalparenting.com.au/ to be a part of creating this vibrant community.

We would also like to publish more articles written by Dads. We currently have a fatherhood section that contains some great articles written by men, Fathers And Fatherhood but would like loads more. Maybe you have a fatherhood story to tell or know someone else who does. We would love to hear about it. We are particularly keen to get articles written by men for men. You don't need to be a published writer to contribute. We are interested in personal stories as much as researched articles. All are welcome. Please email susan@naturalparenting.com.au for our writer guidelines and any ideas you might have.

My father has always been and continues to be a wonderful inspiration and support to me in my own life. Raised solely by my dad from the age ten, he has been integral to my journey as a woman and mother. We share many common passions in life and as I grow older I value more and more the love and devotion he has given to fatherhood. I feel very fortunate to have him in my life.

So this issue is for fathers and those who love and support them. We look forward to journeying with you as we create a wonderful resource and network for men. Enjoy!

Tomato Relish
Much research has hit the media over the last few years about the benefits of tomatoes for prostate health - the important nutrient being lycopene. To access this from the tomato it must be cooked and either cooked in or eaten together with - a healthy fat or oil.

This recipe is perfect to meet this criterion and will bottle up well for a last minute Father's day gift. (Please be aware that tomatoes are contraindicated for arthritis and some digestive ailments.)

See then complete recipe here Tomato Relish

Recipes on Natural Parenting by Julie Philliips

Visit the recipes section of our Forum

1. GAIA Made For Men Starter Kit
RRP$29.95

The ideal way to try GAIA Made for Men. www.gaiaskinnaturals.com

Each kit contains 50ml sizes of GAIA Made for Men: shampoo, conditioner, shave gel, face & body wash, scrub face creme.

Take your favourite GAIA Made for Men products in small sizes when you travel and when they are finished simply re-fill from your regular sized tubes.

Complying with Australian Government regulations for liquids/gels in 'carry-on' luggage for international flights, preparing for your next trip is easy.

Packed in a convenient re-usable zip lock bag, this pack makes the ideal gift or travel companion.

For your chance to win one of three of these great gift packs please send an email to susan@naturalparenting.com.au with Gaia Competition in the subject heading. Entries close 5pm, 23rd September 2009.

(2) Smallprint gift vouchers

Father's Day is approaching fast and you want to give him something a little more personal than socks and jocks? Why not a pair of these personalised, one-of-a-kind, silver cufflinks from Smallprint (www.smallp.com.au)

Practical yet stylish, these amazing cufflinks can be adorned with your child's fingerprints, scrawled writing, or hand and foot prints.

RRP from $165.00, these are one gift dad will treasure forever.

For your chance to win one of two $100 Smallprint Gift Vouchure please send an email to susan@naturalparenting.com.au with Smallprint competition in the subject heading. Entries close 5pm, 23rd September 2009.

Last month's winners

Congratulations to our August newsletter prize winners!

Francine Smith was the winner of the Weleda Products and Paul Wade is the new owner of a Babywedge. Thanks everyone for taking the time to enter. Good luck with this months draws!

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We are starting a dad's Forum.
Though the final home for this forum is likely to be its own forum.... we are starting it as part of our Natural Parenting Forum.

SO if you are a dad, or expectant dad and got something to share, something to ask, or somthing to contribute we'd love you to drop in and have your say.

Visit our Father's Forum