Does anyone know what this means?

[Kat]

I am very curious as it seems to be a headign that literally describes my idea of parenting....but for all I know is a specific 'formula' for parenting

anyone?

[alicesmum]

hmmm....not sure either and i used to teach child psych at uq!!! lol. :p
i assume it means forming secure attachments with your kids and trusting your instincts.

is this a new forum, recently added???

[AM]

Attachment Parenting and Natural Parenting are two different things, but do tend to overlap in certain areas, so are often presented together

Attachment Parenting
This is a term coined by paediatrician Dr William Sears, and he has written a lot of books on the subject.
He talks about seven tools you can use to foster close physical and emotional attachment between a child and his/her parents
Here is a link to view them

http://www.askdrsears.com/html/10/130300.asp

another good website is

http://www.naturalchild.com

and

http://www.wearsthebaby.com

and

http://www.attachmentparent.com

Natural Parenting

This is more along the lines of using cloth nappies, eating organic or homegrown food, delaying or declining vaccinations, using natural cleaners in the home, using holistic medicine, not circumcising, buying natural/wooden toys, belief in natural childbirth and homebirth.

You don't have to do all of these things, but a lot of parents seem to do a few out of each list, and may not do others.

Above all, you listen to your child, and respond in a compassionate and empathic manner.

Many AP, Natural parents are non-spankers and prefer to use gentle discipline which has an emphasis on teaching rather than punishment.

Some books which I have found invaluable to me are

Attachment Parenting - By Katie Allison Granju

The Continuum Concept - By Jean Liedloff

Our Babies Ourselves - By Meredith Small

The Vital Touch - By Sharon Heller

The Discipline Book - By William Sears, and any others by him

Kids Are Worth It - By Barbara Coloroso

This is just a very quick overview, if you have any other questions, feel free to ask!

Angie :D

[Refresh]

Well said Angie :D
I was coming in here to say the same thing!

[alicesmum]

thanks for the links angie!!

[mamafelix]

From being a part of a couple of attachment/natural parenting communities (online and in real life) it seems like you can take it either to be- following your instincts and doing what seems 'natural'- people who say this often talk about how things were done in the past in our culture, or how things are done in other cultures (things like extended breastfeeding, sleeping with your baby, carrying your baby, etc etc).

Other people disagree and feel that they have decided to follow this approach because of the research they have conducted in to various aspects of parenting- so they see it as less of a 'feeling' thing and more of an intellectual choice. There is a lot of research out there that supports the ideals of natural/attachment parenting, but often it's not seen as a mainstream choice.

Certainly in the communities I'm a part of there is a wide diversity of approaches- the only common thing seems to be a focus on respect for the child... there are a lot of parents who choose things which might not be strictly speaking part of the attachment/natural parenting 'dogma' but they respect the choices of others.

I guess I see these communities as being places to go when you feel like your parenting choices are a little different from the mainstream? Or places to get different information from what is generally 'out there'.

[Kat]

Gee I had no idea there was a 'dogma' out there that fits so well the 'style' of parenting I've just fallen into.

Not to mention tons of resources that I previously didnt know existed!

What fun!
Kat

[mamafelix]

A few more resources- Australian websites:

www.maternitycoalition.org.au (natural birth)

www.carryingaway.com (slings and carriers)

www.allaboutnappies.com (cloth nappies)

www.naturalparenting.com.au/resources/ (general AP/NP resources)

Australian forums:

www.alternativebaby.net

www.forums.naturalparenting.com.au

www.forums.ecobubba.com (specifically for cloth nappies)


there's loads more out there but these are my faves.