Attachment Parenting
Attachment parenting has been studied for over sixty years by psychologists and child development researchers. Babies are born with a strong need to stay close to and be nurtured by their mother or primary care giver for the first few years after birth. A baby cries because it needs something, or it is hungry/lonely/wet/cold/hot etc. By ignoring a baby’s cry, the need does not go away, it just learns that nobody will respond and it shuts down emotionally and stops crying. Attachment parenting has been shown to benefit children neurologically, emotionally and physically when these needs are met on a consistent basis. By responding promptly to your baby’s needs, a strong bond of trust develops between you both. They in turn learn that they can expand their horizons and explore the world knowing that you are there if the need arises. This makes for more confident children who are able to form relationships easily with others around them.
Attachment Parenting is not a one-size-fits-all recipe for raising children. Family dynamics are different the whole world over and what works for one parent may not work for you. Thankfully there are many different ways to parent your child in a peaceful and respectful manner and by seeking support from like minded parents; you can find a way to make it work for you.
8 Principles of Attachment Parenting - wikipedia
- Prepare for Pregnancy, Birth, and Parenting
- Feed with Love and Respect
- Respond with Sensitivity
- Use Nurturing Touch
- Engage in Nighttime Parenting
- Provide Consistent and Loving Care
- Practice Positive Discipline.
- Strive for Balance in Personal and Family Life
Many attachment parents also choose to live a natural family living (NFL) lifestyle, such as natural childbirth, home birth, stay-at-home parenting, co-sleeping, breastfeeding, baby wearing, homeschooling, unschooling, the anti-circumcision movement, the anti-vaccination movement, natural health, cooperative movements, and support of organic food.
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