Parenting Styles …
… Of the not so rich and so not famous …
One thing I have learned since becoming a parent, is that no two parents, parent the same way. I try my best not to be judgmental of other styles. Nothing irks me more than to hear one mom dissing another mom (depending on the context). I try to keep an open mind, knowing that not every technique will work for every individual. Our children are unique. We are all one of a kind, something I remind my three old on a regular basis.
I have found that the more attached we are to our children the better they are. Becca is amazingly secure, happy and lovable. She is smart, witty and has a wonderful sense of humour. Ethan is content, smiles the most beautiful smiles and is growing like crazy! Both children are amazingly attached and despite being very tired, I think J & I are happier to be close to them than not (Ethan is getting his first molars, we are getting little sleep). The resilience that both have them have shown over the last year amazes me.
With less than a week until Ethan’s birthday, I find myself reflective and weepy, pondering how we have chosen to raise our children. We are attached and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
I was so excited when, Amy of the Crunchy Domestic Goddess, asked if I would be interested in helping spread the word that Attachment Parenting International is going to unveil their new website, forums, and logo, as well as announce new parenting classes. We were started done the path of attached parenting, I was so lost. There was a little information out there, but not a lot. Attachment Parenting International is an excellent resource for all parents, looking for support and community. Be sure to check it out.
Our weekend was crazy. Car shopping makes my head hurt. J meets with the adjuster this morning. So hoping they fix our car and it runs for another 5 years. Total wishful thinking on my part, but a girl can dream can’t she? I have been busy trying to get some stuff done, Ethan isn’t feeling well at all, and Becca is challenging me on everything. Never a dull moment. Never.
March 31st, 2008 at 7:42 am
hi,
nice article…
thanks for sharing:)
yes u r right…no two parents, parent the same way.n each child is unique…
parenting is a phase of learning with experience…
so be a GOOD PARENT today…
Happy Parenting!!!
goodparenting.co.in
March 31st, 2008 at 8:24 am
Very cool site. I’ll have to check it out…
And also good points regarding parenting…it’s such an individual decision making process…
But we are all in this together no matter what…
Good luck with the car…Ack.
Oh! And I can’t believe he’ll be a YEAR!!!! Where has the time gone????
March 31st, 2008 at 8:47 am
Oh my goodness- Ethan’s almost 1 already? Time flies when your kid(s) is adorable!
We have also found that attachment works for our family. I will definitely check out that website!
March 31st, 2008 at 10:16 am
ethan is almost 1??! where did the year go?
thanks so much for spreading the word about API.
and for the record, ava has been challenging me on just about everything lately too. must be something in the air.
March 31st, 2008 at 10:22 am
Thanks for the web link. I’ve never heard of the organization, but I’m proud to say I (mostly) live by the eight principles. I do work full time, but I’ve been in lucky in the child care I have chosen. Both my daughters are wonderful, well-adjusted little people. I only wish I knew how to parent properly when my boys were young.
March 31st, 2008 at 12:45 pm
I never heard of attached parenting until my daughter was several months old - and I was shocked because that’s what I was doing and I have no idea there was a name for it. Actually it’s how my entire family has always raised kids - but when I asked, none of them knew there was a name either! LOL
March 31st, 2008 at 1:02 pm
Hmm, I’ll check out the website. I do find that I tend to stay away from parenting websites because the people who hand out at them tend to be too militant for my taste.
Happy birthday to Ethan! And to you too you sly thing.
March 31st, 2008 at 1:21 pm
Holy smokes a year already?? Wow, time flies
March 31st, 2008 at 3:03 pm
A year? Holy crap!
I’ll check out that site, and need to blog about it today. Ack! We’re all about the attachment too. Love it.
March 31st, 2008 at 6:48 pm
I know that if I had it to do all over again, I would definitely go the attachment parenting route, at least to some degree.
I am so sorry to hear about your car! As you know, I am having some auto issues as well. I hope things straighten out..for all of us!
March 31st, 2008 at 7:34 pm
I’d never heard of attachment parenting before as an actual style of parenting - until I read a bit about it in some of your posts.
I’ve just had a quick look at the 8 principles - funnily enough, they are what we attempt to do here!
I’ll read on a bit more with interest! Thanks!
March 31st, 2008 at 10:50 pm
For the most part I’ve been doing attachment parenting without even realizing. I co-sleep with the baby, I nursed Sierra for 13 mos (she self weaned), nursing Brookie, use a sling most of the time instead of a stroller, and lay in bed with Sierra until she falls asleep each night. I have a magnet on the fridge, it says “Respond Positively” it helps to remind me to keep my cool when Sierra is being bad. It really helps!
Visit me @ http://www.momontherun.net
April 2nd, 2008 at 10:01 pm
I know what you mean about the different styles. Today at the playground, Fly wanted to pick up and drop, pick up and drop, a chain keeping a picnic table from being stolen. (I don’t even live in a bad neighborhood! Honest!) Another kid wanted to do the same thing, but his mother wouldn’t let him. I didn’t see what the harm was….
Damselfly’s last blog post..You say tomato, I say what?