Gentle Parenting/Attachment Parenting/Hippy-Tree Hugging strange person..

Trends just amaze and amuse me. It is interesting to see them come and go, all the while washing people up on the shore who have been bashed for either embracing or rejecting the latest trend.One of the latest trends in parenting is "attachment parenting". It incorporates a number of parenting ideas, with the focus being on creating secure, confident children. In our family it is something we have embraced, in our own form, not because it is a trend, but because this is just what came naturally to us when we began our parenting journey 8 years ago.

So to me this is attachment parenting in my family:


Gentle Learning

Children are blank canvases when they enter this world, sure they have different personalities, but their interaction with others and experiences are what shapes and defines them. Every day sees a learning environment. And sure there are times when getting the groceries without extra helpers is heaven, but overall everyday activities are an opportunity to teach, learn and grow. From driving, learning rules, to washing, sorting colours and counting pegs, to cooking dinner, using fine motor skills. And when we make a mistake, and let me reassure You your little one will LOVE informing You that You have made a mistake, the ways in which we deal with our wrongs can be modelled to our children.

Baby Wearing

Now a whole blog post and then some could be dedicated to baby wearing, again it is now becoming a trend, and it is so wonderful as this is a positive trend! Wearing your baby in a sling from birth allows them to feel that secure and close feeling like when they were in the womb. As they grow bigger it lets them view the world from your height, learning what You are doing, seeing people face to face, and all while being in your secure arms. It also allows for the baby wearer to be hands free.

Gentle Talk

Create a 'yes environment' where your interactions are positive and uplifting. Try to foresee situations that might bring about undesirable behaviour from your child and avoid it through distraction, or help them so that they succeed.

When a conflict arises, try to work through the problem together, understanding the significance to a little person, even if we think it is insignificant. Speak openly about your feelings and encourage them to do the same, respecting each others feelings.

Create catch phrases that as a whole family you all know and understand, such as

• speak your words kindly and with respect
• when and then, for example, WHEN you have cleaned your toys up, THEN we can go outside

As parents we need to role model gentle talk to one another. We can not expect our little people to behave in one way if we are behaving in the opposite manner.

Attachment Parenting is just one model of parenting amongst probably 100s. As with most things parenting related, take bits and pieces from all areas and see what sits right with your family unit. As parents we are learning and growing with our family, so if You try something and it is not right, try it again later, or seek new ideas.

Yours in Mothering
Sandra

Author Bio - Sandra, wife and Mumma to 4 little ones, 8, 5, 2, 6mths. I love being a Mumma and enjoy gardening, sewing, cooking and reading. My parenting journey is forever changing as I grow with my family and learn.

Photography care of Susan Wall Photography

Don't forget to head to our website for some great Practical, Natural, Gorgeous products to help You and Baby along your journey.