Attachment Parenting

This parenting style has really come under attack recently due to high levels of media coverage. What you should all realize is that not all families who practice Attachment Parenting are the same, and there's no black-and-white, in-or-out, strict set of rules that you must abide by in order to benefit from this style of parenting.

Since Lucas has been born, I've always been the kind of parent that did things because they "felt right" to me. Breastfeeding, snuggling, baby-wearing, and most often gentle discipline seemed like the right thing to do, and they made Lucas happy, too!

Please note that I'm NOT a member of Attachment Parenting International, or the Holistic Moms Network, and I don't claim to represent their views or beliefs. I'm just a momma who wants her boy to feel loved, and grow up to be a healthy, independent person who respects others.

Here are some of the resources I've found helpful on Attachment Parenting:

Beyond the Sling

If you're from my generation, you remember Mayim Bialik from the TV show "Blossom" and the first image that comes to mind is her in that ridiculous hat. Her newer endeavor, The Big Bang Theory has brought her back into the spotlight.

What most people don't know is that she has a doctorate degree in neuroscience, lives a green, vegan life, had her kids potty-trained before they could crawl, and subscribes to the theory of Attachment Parenting. Her book, "Beyond the Sling" gives a great background on how AP can be for anyone, and that making responsible choices that fit your family's lifestyle is always the right decision.

Dr. Sears

Dr. William Sears is the father of Attachment Parenting... literally. With over 30 parenting books under his belt, this dude has reached a lot of people with his theories.

These days, asking "Dr. Sears" directs you to a slew of experts who subscribe to the philosophies that coincide with the views of the Sears Parenting Library, which include titles such as The Attachment Parenting Book, the Baby Sleep Book, and the Vaccination Book to name a few.

How I "did" Attachment Parenting

It wasn't easy for me to develop my "gray" area of Attachment Parenting, but somehow I managed. Mostly, I did what I felt was right, and rode it out.

Not saying that what I did was right or wrong for you, but it worked for us.