Attachment parenting

Attachment parenting is a parenting philosophy that proposes methods which aim to promote the attachment of parent and infant not only by maximal parental empathy and responsiveness but also by continuous bodily closeness and touch. The term attachment parenting was coined by the American pediatrician William Sears.

History

Attachment parenting has roots in the work of John Bowlby, a British psychiatrist who, in the mid-20th century, developed the theory of attachment. Bowlby's work was further developed by Mary Ainsworth, an American-Canadian developmental psychologist, particularly in her work on "secure attachment".

Principles

Attachment parenting is based on eight principles: preparation for pregnancy, birth and parenting; feeding with love and respect; responding with sensitivity; using nurturing touch; ensuring safe sleep, physically and emotionally; providing consistent and loving care; practicing positive discipline; and striving for balance in personal and family life.

Criticism

While some parents find the philosophy of attachment parenting appealing, others have criticized it for being too demanding and for promoting a parenting style that can be detrimental to parents' mental health.

See also

• Parenting styles
• Attachment theory
• Child development

External links

• Attachment Parenting International