Attachment parenting
Yesterday I had a wonderful morning as the Baba Me mother and baby rep! I took my little girl with me to a mother and baby group in a sensory garden. I had the pleasure of meeting lots of local mums and childcare students to talk about slings, baby wearing and cloth nappies. My mornings “work” was really interesting as we talked and demonstrated the slings. Some of the mums were telling me that they use the wraps and slings a lot when their children are having a tantrum. In fairness I usually give my son or daughter a cuddle when they are in that “mode”, but the baby-wearing option sounds like a really positive choice too.
Most of the time I am in awe of women who love to baby-wear, just last week I was in awe of two women who came into our shop and demonstrated perfectly how to “wear your baby” in beautiful slings. They just loved the whole concept of having their baby close to them, and practically pointed out that they can get a lot done too!
Back to my sensory experience yesterday, I talked about the different slings some of the childcare students pondered on the different ideas around attachment parenting and what we thought works best? There are several different attitudes out there.
The attachment theory states, that “your child forms a strong emotional bond with their caregivers during childhood with lifelong consequences”. According to the theory sensitive and emotionally available parenting helps the child to form a secure attachment style which fosters a child's social development and well being.
The other side of the coin says that “less sensitive and emotionally available parenting or neglect of the child's needs may result in insecure forms of attachment style, which is a risk factor for many mental health problems”.
This latter does sound very extreme to me, and for the majority of parenting out there I think that we have a decent modicum of attachment parenting in general, most of us choose to be close to our children, we nurture them, love them, teach them and show them in a kind and loving way. I was interested to find out that the main points of attachment parenting work in most households {or is that just me?} anyway.
1. Preparation for Pregnancy, Birth and Parenting
2. Feed with Love and Respect
3. Respond with Sensitivity
4. Use Nurturing Touch
5. Ensure Safe Sleep, Physically and Emotionally
6. Provide Consistent Loving Care
8. Strive for Balance in Personal and Family Life
There are many different ways to consider attachment parenting whether it be through cloth nappies, co-sleeping, breastfeeding or baby-wearing. Sometimes I think the idea behind it can be considered very radical while ultimately it is different for every family. Some may choose none of the above or some may choose all but in effect I think it may not be practical for everyone to consider attachment parenting. However the main principals seem to emanate those of un-attached parenting in the same way, I think I will stick to my guns and carry on trying to raise my children in the most sensitive, caring and kind way that I can!
We at Baba Me would love to hear your experiences and tips on attachment parenting or indeed just your thoughts?
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