Guidelines for Attachment Parenting

A friend of mine brought it to my attention that my blog didn't really give a good definition of attachment parenting. I didn't take into consideration those who might read my blog that have had no experience with this topic. I wanted to make sure I didn't provide incorrect information, so found the following information about attachment parenting on the Attachment Parenting International website. According to their website:

Attachment Parenting is a philosophy based in the practice of nurturing parenting practices that create strong emotional bonds, also known as secure attachment, between the infant and parent(s). This style of parenting encourages responsiveness to the infant or child's emotional needs, and develops trust that their emotional needs will be met. As a result, this strong attachment helps the child develop secure, empathic, peaceful, and enduring relationships.

For those of you with infants this site provides the Eight Ideals for Infants with an explanation of each of these ideals. The 8 Ideals for Infants are:

1. Preparation for Childbirth

2. Emotional Responsiveness

3. Breastfeed your Baby

4. Baby Wearing

5. Shared sleep and Safe Sleeping Guidelines

6. Avoid frequent and prolonged separations

7. Positive Discipline

8. Maintain balance in your family life

For those of you with school-age children this site provides the Eight Ideals of Attachment Parenting for the School-age Child with an explanation of each of these ideals. The 8 ideals for school-age children are:

1. Become knowledgeable about your child's development and cognitive levels.

2. Stay emotionally responsive.

3. Strive for optimum physical health.

4. Maintain a high-touch relationship.

5. Develop and maintain positive sleep routines.

6. Be present and available for your children.

7. Use positive discipline.

8. Maintain balance in your life.

I hope your find this information useful and informative. If I personally had to sum all this up into one word I think I would choose the word "RESPECT".