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While our family certainly
advocates the practices of attachment parenting, we also recognize
that all children have different specific needs, grow up in different
cultures and environments, and are taught according to various personal,
spiritual, or religious beliefs. We believe that the bottom line
is truly listening to your natural instincts as a parent and following
those no matter what anyone else may say to discredit that. No one
knows your children the way you do, and in that case, you are the
best resource for their needs. Educating yourself in all things
related to their health, environment, and education is simply an
extension of this wonderful fact! |
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What is Attachment Parenting?
Dr. William
Sears, a well-known pediatrician and father of eight, first coined
the term, “attachment parenting.” It is simply a title
placed on an age-old way of nurturing your child; relying on your
own love and instinct. By keeping our infants close to us
as much as possible, we are giving them the security to be secure
with themselves, contrary to the popular belief that this type
of thing would only make them “spoiled.” When a child
feels loved and completely accepted, it encourages them to try
new things and gives them the confidence to become more solid,
independent individuals.
What
are the ideals of an Attachment Parent?
This style of parenting encourages us to respond to the emotional
needs of our children immediately, building a trust between parent
and child. As a result, this helps them to develop enduring relationships
with others as they grow. For many, attachment parenting includes
co-sleeping, child-wearing, and breastfeeding. Young babies need
a lot of physical contact and wearing a baby carrier is a great
way to meet this need (while actually allowing mama and daddy
to get things done!). Babies who are carried cry less, too. Sleeping
with your infant is not only easier, but it is considered completely
normal in villages and cultures all over the world. Research shows
that the co-sleeping reduces the risk of SIDS and children who
co-sleep eventually come to their own decision to sleep in their
very own bed, as a way of becoming more independent once the years
of their “nighttime needs” have ended.
Touch, hold, stimulate, and love your baby in a healthy,
positive environment. Respond to their needs immediately when
they are upset- babies never cry for no reason and even older
children need understanding encouragement every now and again!
Most importantly, be the person you want your children to be:
loving, respectful, peaceful, patient, and compassionate.
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