What is Attachment parenting? It simply means loving and showing kindness to our children as parents. It makes us raise children who in turn feel connected to us. It fosters stronger family bonds, and helps us model our interaction with the kids the way and manner we would like them interact with others. It is not just about adhering to strict guidelines but the ability to be sensitive and emotionally available to our children.

Is there a way or ways you as a parent wished you had been treated as a child? Then, treat your children that way. That is what this approach to parenting is about. If you have any regrets of what was not done to you as a kid, do not allow your children regret the same thing when they become adults.

This kind of parenting brings about happier children and family as it creates very strong bonds among the members of the family. The good thing is that it can be practiced in any kind of family: single parented homes, mother/father and children homes and even among extended families.

Usually, the mother is closest to the baby at the early months. She takes care of the baby almost completely: feeding, bathing and helping the baby sleep. Other members of the family however need to come in the various baby caring activities to increase the bond between them and the child.

It is important that the whole family prepares and awaits the arrival of the baby. These preparations should be both physical and physiological. As the baby is born, the mother should take care of her traditional role of breastfeeding which is one major way of establishing a very strong bond between mother and child. Nature has a way of making a mother understand her baby while breastfeeding; not to mention that breast milk is the best food and gift you can give to a newborn child. Mothers need to breastfeed their babies as many times as needed; no scheduled breastfeeding.

Another way to increase this bond is to wear your baby using a carrier or sling. This brings about continuous close contact with the baby. Your eyes are always on the baby observing ever body movement, while the baby is also watching you.

It is also important you co-sleep with the baby. It can be on the same bed or in a crib very close to your bed. This also increases the bond and fondness between you and the baby.

Attachment parenting also encourages you to understand the cry of your baby because that is how the baby communicates until the baby is able to talk. Always try to understand why your child is crying; is the baby hungry, in any kind of pain or needs to play with you?