Maybe you've heard the term Attachment Parenting , perhaps it's new to you. I prefer to call it Natural Parenting. Either way, it's taking hold (thank goodness) and it's here to stay. The concepts of attachment parenting seem simple and obvious enough, but many don't know the benefits of this wonderful parenting style. The basic idea is this- You give your child plenty of love, compassion, affection, and encouragement and they grow up to be happy, healthy, well rounded individuals. We all know that there will be ups and more than a few downs when raising kids, but in the end if you give your child a strong and reliable foundation to stand on, even when they venture into the world and test the waters, the self confidence, self assurance and feeling of love they have gotten from you will help them lead fulfilling and rewarding lives. Following is a list of the basic principles of attachment parenting ( the oldest style of child rearing on the planet ). There are also informational links. Please read more for yourself. Enjoy the wonder of parenthood.

Co-Sleeping- (More specifically, Bedsharing)


This means from the very beginning of your little child's life, instead of being separated from you by being put in a room across the hall and laid down to sleep all alone in a crib, you scoot to the side a little and share some bed space . Maybe you think you won't get as much sleep, or perhaps your baby will grow too dependent on you, or maybe you worry about your privacy and the demand on your time. Well, the fact is you may lose a little sleep in the beginning, but so do moms who have to get up every 15 minutes to sooth a baby crying in the other room. In the end, you'll end up getting much more sleep , because instead of getting out of bed to go nurse the baby, or heading to the kitchen to warm a bottle, all you need to do is pull your baby close and start nursing. Many moms are fast asleep before the nursing is even over. Argument 2- My baby will become too dependent on me. Guess what? They should be dependent on you. You are Mommy after all. Don't let society fool you into thinking that a crib, a bottle and a daycare center can take your place. You are the most important part of your child's life . You were their living environment for 9 precious months, and now that they are out in the big world, they need you more than ever. Hey, it's scary being 8 lbs. and facing the world alone. Be proud of the attachment your child has for you. It won't last forever, and in the end, because you fostered their attachment and let them move at their own pace, their dependency phase is completely fulfilled so they can move on and grow into an independent adult. Now, about the privacy and time demand issue. You didn't think parenting was going to be easy did you? Well, the truth is, once you have a baby, life isn't the same ever again. But instead of looking at it as time you are losing for yourself, think of it as time you are gaining with your child. Someday you'll be looking at your 16 year old thinking "Where did all that time go?" And hey, who said privacy was such a great thing anyway? You'll have plenty of time for privacy when they're off in college

Breastfeeding


Breastfeeding meets both your baby's need for nourishment, and your baby's need for physical contact. It's one of the most important aspects of Attachment Parenting, but sadly most moms choose not to breastfeed, and those that do breastfeed do so for only a short period of time. We highly encourage longterm breastfeeding and hope you will consider its advantages. We have a page devoted to the positive aspects of breastfeeding and how there really is no substitute for Mother's milk ,or for Mother herself. Please read more there.

Dad's Duties


Don't underestimate the power of Daddy. Though dad might not be able to feed baby, he can graciously accept baby into the bed, change diapers, bathe and dress baby, soothe baby and just be there . Fathers can have an amazing and positive impact on their children's lives. The hero they look up to, and the one they can trust. Being there for your children during this most crucial time in their life will build a foundation for a strong relationship in the future.

Responding to your baby's needs


That means tending to your baby's cries, even if you don't know why they are crying. Nursing your baby on demand, whenever, wherever, and for as your baby wants to continue nursing. Don't put a schedule on weaning, but instead, let baby decide when your nursing relationship ends. Baby knows best .The popular assumption in our culture is that babies don't know what is best for themselves. Though they are born completely dependent upon us for all of their needs, they have wonderful instinctual knowledge about what is good for them, and if we listen to their cries and take their cues, our parenting job gets even easier .Baby feels more secure and satisfied because you are meeting their needs, and you feel more confident and pleased with your role as a parent.

Baby Wearing


You can hardly go out anymore without seeing someone carrying their baby in any number of different styles of babyslings, wraps, or backpacks. It's no wonder. Modern parents are learning what parents in more natural societies have known for centuries. Carrying your baby around makes sense .Baby naturally wants to be held, and loves the natural rhythm of going through the day while Mom or Dad tends to their chores. Caring for other children, washing the dishes, even folding laundry. And every mom will love having a shower sling! Baby finds all of these routine activities fascinating and Mom and Dad can get the things done that need to be done. A win-win situation . We sell a variety of carriers on our site. One for every occasion.

Gentle Discipline


It is easy when a child frustrates you or you feel pushed to the state of anger to lash out with a spanking . Even the most gentle of parents may smack a hand that reaches for a hot object or swat a bottom when answered with defiance. Though these may seem like natural reactions to situations, we must know that they are learned behavior . At some point along the way, all parents who spank were at one time spanked themselves. The task now is to break the cycle. Try to remember the emotional sensitivity that our children have, and approach discipline with a kind and gentle attitude. Though we all make parental mistakes, recognizing these mistakes and doing our best to raise children in a non-violent atmosphere will benefit us all. Many parents use time-outs as an effective means of discipline. Others find simply removing the object causing the interference a good option, as well as taking the child to another room or to a "quiet place" where they can have time to calm down with Mom and Dad. A nice alternative to spanking. It's not easy, and it's an ongoing task, but one you will thank yourself for in the end.

Another aspect of non-violence in the Attachment Parenting arena involves non-circumcision . Though 85% of the world's male population are uncircumcised, in the United States it still remains a common practice. Circumcision began in our country in the mid 1800's and continues today under the misbelief that circumcision prevents penile and cervical cancers and the spread of sexually transmitted diseases. Please go to the links listed below for more information on this important issue and make an informed decision .

Loving & Stable Home Environment


Don't underestimate the effect that your home-life has on your children. Though children are resilient and bounce back from some very difficult situations and challenges, by giving them a stable family life you make all the situations they face in the future that much easier for them. It also helps them to grow up to have stable families of their own someday. It is important that Mom and Dad set an example for their children through their relationship and the mutual respect that they have for each other. Though single parents face separate challenges, they are not alone. With the help of other family members and friends, and the attachment parenting lifestyle, they can provide a stable, warm environment for their children also.

Natural Living


Natural living means different things to different people. For us at Humanity Infant & Herbal, it means taking the environment and our lives into consideration with all that we do . We believe that eating a diet consisting of organic and whole foods is good for the body and good for the planet. We feel that a holistic approach to healthcare is effective for treating and preventing sickness, and use natures remedies whenever possible. We use cloth diapers for our babies, cloth feminine hygiene products and use cleaning products that are environmentally safe and safe for use around our children and pets. We believe in the power of recycling and use only Kenaf (a tree free paper alternative) and recycled papers in our office. At Humanity Infant and Herbal we hope to set an example for other businesses through our Earth friendly practices . As time permits we will be starting a discussion group and email newletter on the various aspects of Natural Living. We hope you will enjoy this and ask you to check back soon.

attachmentparenting.org                                                 nocirc.org

 

 

 

 

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