Attachment parenting, to put it most simply, is believing what we know in our heart to be true. And if we do that, we find that we trust the child. We trust him in these ways:
We trust that he is doing the very best he can at every given moment, given all of his experiences up to that time.
We trust that though he may be small in size, he is as fully human as we are, and as deserving as we are to have his needs taken seriously.
We trust that he has been born innocent, loving, and trusting. We do not need to "turn him around", to teach him that life is difficult, or train him to be a loving human being - he is that at birth and all we need to do is celebrate that, and support and sustain it.
We don't have to give him lessons about life - life brings its own lessons and its own frustrations.
We recognize that in a very beautiful way, our child teaches us - if we listen - what love is.
We understand that if a child "misbehaves", instead of reacting to the behavior, we should always examine what has been taking place in his life: what stresses, frustrations or frightening, confusing, or difficult situations he has just experienced. We also need to examine whether we have brought about any of these experiences, intentionally or not. It is our job to be responsive parents, meeting the needs of our child; it is not the child's job to meet our needs for a quiet and perfectly well-behaved child.
We understand that It is unfair and unrealistic to expect a child to behave perfectly at all times; after all, no adult can do this either. Yet behind all punishment is the unstated expectation that a child can and should behave perfectly at all times; there is no leeway.
We see that so-called "bad behavior" is in reality nothing more than the child's attempt to communicate an important need in the best way he can, given the present circumstances and all of his prior experience. "Misbehavior" is a signal to us that important needs are not being met. - by us or by others in the child's life. We should not ignore that behavior any more than we should ignore the sound of a smoke detector. We should instead see "bad behavior" as an opportunity - an opportunity to reevaluate our own behavior, to learn about our child's needs, and to meet those needs in the best way possible.
[This definition of attachment parenting is by Jan Hunt, M.Sc., of http://www.naturalchild.org]
An award-winning monthly web magazine for parents who want to raise children with the ability to love and trust. Maintained by the Natural Child Project Society, a nonprofit organization. http://www.naturalchild.com/
Information, resources and articles about natural childbirth, co-sleeping, family bedding, breastfeeding, nursing, attachment parenting, and generally nurturing infants, babies, toddlers, and children. http://www.intuitiveparenting.org/
Dedicated to fostering respect for children through attachment parenting, breastfeeding and homeschooling. Message boards and informative links. http://www.geocities.com/gagenmaddiesma/
A resource for gentle parenting from conception through the toddler years; find information on a large variety of topics including homebirth, infant care, nursing toddlers, Christian parenting issues, and discipline. http://www.geocities.com/kidzarepeopletoo/
A parenting community and newsletter which celebrates raising children with kindness and respect, with an emphasis on natural family issues. http://www.GentleParents.com/
Non-profit organization that helps found local support groups, and publishes educational and research materials for parents and professionals. Includes FAQ, articles, and press kit. http://www.attachmentparenting.org/
Covers all aspects of parenting from pre-conceptual planning, pregnancy and birth, breastfeeding and attachment parenting, to gentle discipline and raising children in a loving, feeling way. http://home.mweb.co.za/to/torngren/parenting.html
The home page for Canadian Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children. Rich with articles and resources on the importance of attachment parenting and positive discipline. http://www.empathicparenting.org/
Resource for attachment parenting "spirited" children. Includes a question forum, a connecting parents service, and has an e-newsletter. http://www.nurturingourfamilies.com/
Dr. Sears, pediatrician -- the person to coin the term "attachment parenting" -- and Martha Sears, R.N. answer questions about child development, health issues, pregnancy, attachment parenting, child birth, and nutrition. http://www.askdrsears.com/
The personal site of a single attached Mom. See my attachment parenting and breastfeeding links. Read my homebirth story and poetry. Check out the domestic violence resources and pass them on. http://members.tripod.com/~trevijean
Breastfeeding and attachment parenting information from a real mother, with real experience. Articles on breastfeeding concerns, nutrition for mothers and infants, extended nursing, sleep issues and the safety of medications while lactating. http://www.kellymom.com/
Attachment Parenting information, parenting, bonding, connecting with your children, positive and gentle discipline, family bed (co-sleeping), baby wearing, and other topics for nurturing parents http://www.parentingweb.com/ap/ap_index.htm
An informational site for the natural, breastfeeding, co-sleeping, non-vax'ing, instinctual mom. Offers information, support, and community. http://www.heart-at-home.com
Discussion forums supporting natural, instinctive parenting. We believe that adequate support is essential for breastfeeding mothers, stay-at-home parents, co-sleeping families and those who just generally go against mainstream parenting practices. http://motherspassion.com
Articles and resources for practical continuum living including an overview of the Continuum Concept, guidelines for The Continuum Concept Email List, recommended books, and Yequana resources. http://www.tccmaven.com
Online community for women who parent in a natural style. Also provides information about natural parenting practices. http://www.naturalmotheringutah.org
Articles, information, referrals, links and products related to: natural childbirth, breastfeeding, cloth diapering, baby-wearing, co-sleeping, circumcision, vaccination, positive discipline, homeschooling, and alternative medicine. http://www.mommythink.com/
Jean Liedloff's "The Continuum Concept" articulates the natural principles upon which Attachment Parenting was founded. Site includes articles, a support forum and resources to find like-minded parents locally. http://www.continuum-concept.org
A non-profit organization dedicated to creating communities of holistic moms through local chapters, focusing on attachment parenting, alternative health and holistic living. http://www.holisticmoms.org
Weblog about attachment parenting written by an attachment parenting couple with three kids. Lots of links to articles and resources. http://www.APparenting.com/
A web magazine, dedicated to conscious parenting. We have a passion for parenting and for parents having information to support them in making informed choices. http://www.labouroflove.org
A detailed description of what Attachment Parenting means, including many informational links and resources, including much on Ezzo/Babywise. Article on attachment parenting and bottlefeeding. http://attachment_parenting.tripod.com/whatis.html
A site for Moms who do things the natural way. Natural beauty and nutrition tips, frugal parenting and homeschooling information, and advice, resources and products that support your mothering style. http://www.natural-moms.com/sitemap.html
A site about attachment parenting, alternative parenting,positive discipline, natural living, organic whole food eating and holistic health. http://www.healthyparenting.net
