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There are long term positive effects of creating positive attachments with your children. Children who were securely attached as infants tend to have:
- Higher self-esteem
- Stronger social skills
- Empathy
- Improved cognitive abilities
Attachment Parenting Principles
Attachment parenting in principle is fairly simple. It is all about building a positive, consistent, emotional connection with your infant. Begin the attachment parenting process as soon as possible, ideally, before you even conceive. Think about your world and the positive benefits of nurturing and connecting with your baby. Develop coping mechanisms to help you deal with stress and any negative influences, and practice these techniques throughout your pregnancy and your child's life.
Respond to your Child:
Your infant has left the warm, soothing, environment of the womb where all their needs were immediately met and have now entered into a fairly intimidating environment. Your baby will communicate with you with their cries, looks and smiles. As a parent, it is important to respond to their communication needs. Go to your child when he or she cries, smile back when you get a smile and encourage your baby to investigate their world. Spend time with your child so you can learn more about his or her unique natural baby needs and respond to them accordingly.
Breastfeeding:
Breastfeeding is an incredible opportunity to bond with your infant. The skin to skin contact allows your infant to recognize your smell, your soothing touch and be relaxed by your body's warmth. If you are unable to breastfeed, try to simulate the breast feeding experience. When bottle feeding your infant, place them against your skin.
Allow your infant to become aware of your scent, talk in soothing tones and make feeding an intimate time for both you and your infant.
Baby Wearing:
Another way to enhance the skin to skin contact is by carrying your infant in a baby sling. Babywearing will enhance your child's neurological development, build a stronger parent-child bond, and will soothe your baby both by your scent and your natural rocking motion.
Co-Sleeping:
Sleeping with your child can further enhance the parent-child attachment bond. Your child will be soothed by your scent and your biorhythms, allowing them a better night's sleep. In addition, co-sleeping allows your child to breast feed as needed and be continually comforted. However, because of the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome), many medical professionals advise against co-sleeping. Mattresses that are too soft, pillows and smothering are cited risks among others.
At the end of the day, this decision is a personal decision made by families. There are products available on the market today that allow you to sleep with your child while maintaining a barrier for safety. Do the proper research and then assess what would be best for your baby and family.
Avoid Long Separations:
One of the crucial components on developing a strong and natural baby attachment is having a consistent caregiver. If at all possible, avoid leaving your child for long periods of time. Your infant is too young to understand why you have left and may be resistant to developing an attachment with others. If for some reason you need to leave, ensure that the replacement caregiver follows the same methods that you do.
Positive Discipline:
When disciplining your child it is important to focus on their behaviour and not the child themselves. Clearly communicate with your child your expectations and praise them when these expectations are met. By using the attachment parenting principles, your child will trust you, making positive discipline and communication a natural process.
Balance your Family Life
As emphasized at the beginning of this article, a happy parent helps develop a happy baby. When parenting make sure to take some time to relax and to do the things that you enjoy. Visit our Tips for Parents section for helpful hints and suggestions for leading a balanced lifestyle.
Natural parenting using these attachment parenting concepts is all about building a connection between you and your child. By using at least some of these basic principles, you will help develop a child who is happy, empathetic and has a strong sense of self-esteem.
Other Natural Parenting Articles
Breastfeeding BenefitsDiscover the joys and benefits of breastfeeding your baby.
Babywearing
Determine which type of baby sling would work best for you.
Infant Massage Tips
Learn how infant massage can benefit your baby.
Baby Sign Language
You'll be amazed to discover how early your baby can begin to "talk" to you.
Elimination Communication
Find out why your baby doesn't have to spend 2 years in diapers.
Natural Teething
Natural remedies you can use when your baby is teething.
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