Do you know how much is involved in attachment parenting? Perhaps you woul like to find out?
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Do you realize how much is involved in attachment parenting? It is just as well to find out....
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Many of us hear the term "Attachment Parenting" and may or may not realize what it means. For
some they find it to be a set of guidelines to foster stronger family bonds. Others see it as a return
to the natural way, while others, simply do not bother with understanding it, they just do what feels
natural and right for their family. All of these things are correct. To practice attachment parenting
there are some basic principles that come into play. The most basic principle is giving an example
of love and trust, in turn raising children who will become conscious adults with the capacity for
empathy and connectedness. Attachment Parenting challenges us as parents to treat our children
with kindness, respect and dignity, and to model in our interactions with them the way we'd like
them to interact with others. Adhering to strict guidelines is not what attachment parenting is
about. Parenting with loving kindness with a mindset to be sensitive and emotionally available to
our children is the key to understanding this approach.
Often in today's society we find adults who, because of a childhood of strife find much of their
adult lives reliving past experiences, repeating unhealthy cycles of behavior, unable to fully live in
the present moment. The Attachment Parenting techniques allow us as parents to treat our
children as we wish we had been treated or the way we would like everyone to treat us now. When
there is no need to heal the past, one can live in the present moment.
The benefits of attachment parenting are numerous, the main one being a happier child and
family. This sensitive parenting technique includes creating strong bonds with the parents and can
be practiced in traditional mother / father homes as well as in single parented homes, blended
families, and with extended family members. Indeed any type of family can use this parenting
technique as a tool to create strong family bonds between parents/caregivers and their children.
In the early months of a child's life, the mother may be the main caregiver. AP moms use natural
mothering techniques. Today's modern society has perhaps conditioned some to ignore natural
instincts. Even the most modern of moms will find that if they truly embrace motherhood, the ways
of natural mothering and attachment parenting tools come quite naturally. During the early months
a baby is with family, mom seems to have the main role, however there are many ways to include
other family members in the bonding with the baby. Be creative and you will find that the familial
bonds of attachment parenting extend to the entire family. Some common ways to practice
attachment parenting are as follows:
Prepare for the birth and BIRTH BONDING
It is important to become emotionally and physically prepared for the birth of your child. Do as
much research as possible and spend time creating the environment you wish to raise your child
in. Discuss with family how you would like the birth, and the family life to be.
2. Having a natural, peaceful childbirth and bonding immediately with the baby are key (whether it is
a hospital birth, a home birth, or a birthing center birth).
The way the child comes into the world and the days and weeks just after the birth are a uniquely
sensitive. Biological behaviors of the infant and the mother are intuitive to both. Allowing these
intuitive attachment - promoting behaviors to unfold naturally is a key.
BREASTFEEDING and feeding with Love and Respect
Breastfeed immediately upon birth and continue as long as is mutually desired between the
mother and child. Breastfeeding releases oxytocin and prolactin. These hormones relax the
mother and strengthen the maternal bond. An increase in the mother's oxytocin levels makes the
uterus contract more quickly and reduces bleeding (eliminating the need for pitocin, a drug
sometimes given to control bleeding post labor).
Breastfeeding helps you read your baby's cues and the body language allowing a natural way to
get to know your child. Breastmilk is the best food you can give to your newborn. Breastmilk
enhances brain development, provides optimal growth, greater immunity, protection from SIDS,
protects from infections and both types of diabetes.
Breastfeeding immediately and on demand as opposed to a schedule is key in attachment
parenting. If for some reason one cannot breastfeed you can still feed your little one with love and
respect. "Bottle nursing" is a way to mimic breastfeeding using the bottle while still following the
cues of your baby and not schedules. These cues can be followed by both babies and children as
they grow to encourage healthy eating behavior. Be a model of healthy food choices and offer a
variety of healthful foods.
BABY-WEARING
Whenever possible, wear your baby using a carrier or sling. This encourages the familial bonds.
All family members can enjoy this as a bonding time with a new baby. While using a stroller or
another artificial type of carrier is something many practice, remember to use these as non
essential things. Continuous close contact is essential in the early stages of development. Have
your baby with you as much as possible. While you may have to work, perhaps the family can
make necessary adjustments to allow a new baby to be with the mother or a family member at all
times. When alternate caregivers are needed remember to chose those who adhere to the same
practices you do.
CO-SLEEPING (either in your bed or in a crib next to your bed)
Ensure for a safe sleep both physically and emotionally. Many modern practices discourage co-
sleeping, however if you research this and use your common sense you will realize that this is the
way nature intended. Attachment parenting encourages co-sleeping and a family bed. Certainly
you want to strive for balance as many partners feel this subject to be a tricky one. Use your
instincts, be safe, and do what feels right for you and your family. The key in baby wearing and co-
sleeping is to encourage closeness and bonding.
BELIEF IN THE LANGUAGE VALUE OF YOUR BABY'S CRY
Attachment parenting does not adhere to the 'cry it out' philosophy. Being sensitive and
responding accordingly to your baby's cries builds trust and security. A child's cry is the first line of
communication. Learning to distinguish what the different cries mean is a key to building a loving
3. way to communicate with your child for years to come. Responding to a child's cry also helps
parents to 'listen' to their child, something that builds more as the child grows. Babies and small
children are not capable of self soothing, and responding sensitively to your child from infancy on
builds a trust that lasts a lifetime.
BEWARE OF BABY TRAINERS
Artificial soothers, swings, strollers and the like create distance between you and your child. While
some things can be utilized as a way to enhance comfort with a little one, these things should not
be relied upon as a substitute. The baby needs that comfort from you.
BALANCE
Always strive for balance. Parents are not perfect. Attachment Parenting is not about adhering to
strict practices, it is about loving kindness, respect and enhancing connectedness. Practicing one
or all of these methods is fine. Do what feels best for your family life. When parents feel in balance
they are more able to be emotionally available and responsive. Have fun, stay positive, be creative
and remember to love yourself and care for yourself so that you are more able to care for your
child and family.
POSITIVE DISCIPLINE
Guidance and role modeling are generally the approach taken in attachment parenting. With a
baby discipline is not something we think about much but as your little one grows into a toddler,
young child and on to the teenage years, certainly parents must address the issue of how to
discipline. Keep age appropriateness in mind always while disciplining your children. We are
striving to help the child develop a conscious so that self discipline comes into play. Be proactive
rather than reactive while dealing with unwanted behaviors. Try to get to the root of why the
behavior is happening and create solutions rather than reacting negatively. Discipline that is loving
and respectful creates solutions and helps keep everyone's dignity intact.
Using some or all of these methods will help to create a strong and loving bond with your child. As
a child grows from a baby to a toddler and on into a young child to a teen, attachment parenting
techniques can still be used. Nurturing mutual respect, having open and loving communication and
practicing positive discipline are all things that can be fostered during all stages of your child's
development. Attachment parenting is more of a mindset than a set of guidelines. All one really
needs to be an AP parent is a desire to create stronger family ties and happier healthier more
loving children who are our future. We all want the best for our children and it starts with
ourselves. Positive childhood experiences have positive lifelong consequences.
Kathryn Fiore is a mom actively practicing Attachment Parenting. Kathryn has a BS in Early
Childhood Education and holds certifications in Primary Education and Yoga/Body Rolling.
Kathryn combines her life experiences in the fields of education, parenting, and Healing Arts to
empower others to be conscious and create a better world for the youth of today. Kathryn also
works with international music recording artists to help raise money for environmental awareness
and youth outreach programs.