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Love, respect and attention: these are the keys to parenting with attachment, an educational style that is extremely beneficial for children. Find out.
There are those who think that raising a child is something intuitive that does not require much analysis. However, educating is much more than feeding and cleaning the infant, it is contribute positively to their integral development as an individual. And not all parenting styles achieve this goal. Therefore, we invite you to discover the benefits of parenting with attachment.
It is possible to distinguish the different parenting styles based on the level of affection and demand that each of them shows. Thus, permissive education is characterized by offering large amounts of affection without demand and authoritarian, by expressing just the opposite characteristics.
At an intermediate point, there are proposals such as the democratic style or attachment parenting, which advocate finding a healthy balance in all aspects.
If you’ve never heard of this term, here’s everything you need to know about it. You will see that It is an effective and beneficial alternative for both children and parents themselves.
What is attachment parenting?
Attachment parenting is an educational style centered on the child and his needs. Mainly, in his need for establish a secure bond with their primary caregivers.
It is based on the attachment theory by John Bowlby, according to which the ability of parents to respond to the demands of the baby are decisive in the subsequent psychological development of children.
Those adults who listen to the child, who know how to tune in to him, understand what he needs and give it to him they consistently establish a secure attachment. On the contrary, parents who respond inconsistently or insufficiently generate insecure attachment in the baby that will have repercussions on their personality.
In this way, attachment parenting is built on love, respect, and dedication. Seeks that parents can provide affection, security and stimulation to their child so that it obtains optimal development.
What are its benefits?
The Benefits of parenting with attachment are multiple and will have repercussions, even, in the adult life of that child. Parents, for their part, will also gain several advantages from implementing this educational style. We show you the most relevant aspects.
Esteem
These children they grow up feeling loved, respected and validated. For the same, develop a strong and healthy self-esteem, and feel more self-confident.
Security
Infants know that their primary caregivers have a source of unconditional security and this allows them to be encouraged to explore the environment. A) Yes, are better able to relate to different people and new environments without fears or anxieties.
Happiness and calm
Infants who are nurtured with attachment tend to be happier and calmer, as their parents offer support and containment to regulate their emotions. The dynamic that is established between parents and children is much more positive and satisfactory for both parties, making child care easier.
Autonomy
From this educational approach love and limits are combined, so there is no room for overprotection. These children grow up being autonomous, responsible and decisive with which many conflicts at home are avoided and integration in the world beyond the family is facilitated.
Positive personal relationships
For all the above, children who grow up with positive upbringing are much more capable of establishing healthy and rewarding social relationships. Having received love, respect and empathy from their first moments they are also better able to offer it.
On the other hand, this type of parenting helps children recognize the importance of looking for these qualities in their relationships. This will also translate into the choice of partner later on.
How to implement attachment parenting?
As you can see, attachment parenting has multiple benefits. It facilitates their work for parents, favors children’s emotional development and allows them to obtain satisfactory family relationships. Now, how to apply it? There are some principles and guidelines that you can implement:
- Begin to forge the emotional bond with your baby from pregnancy
- Attend to your baby’s demands consistently. Don’t let him cryShow him that he can count on you unconditionally.
- Take the time to find out what she’s feeling, why she’s crying, and what she needs. Fosters a harmony between the two.
- Helps the infant regulate his emotions offering your own calm, affection and patience.
- Offer breastfeeding your baby during their first months or years of life. This is not just a perfect food, but also an excellent way to strengthen the bond and provide comfort and security.
- Maintain frequent physical contact with the infant, practice carrying, the kangaroo method and co-sleeping. Your presence and closeness is extremely beneficial for your child.
- As the child grows, promotes their autonomy offering him tasks and responsibilities according to his age.
- Set rules and limits clear and adjusted to the level of maturity of the child.
- Work as a team with your partner to generate a close father-mother-infant relationship
- Respect your child’s likes, interests, and opinions. Validate their feelings and always treat him with love, respect and understanding.
Adapt parenting to your family’s needs
As you can see, there are many points that support attachment parenting, but not all of them are suitable for all families and their different circumstances. There are some basic pillars such as respect, affection and attention that are fundamental and unavoidable.
However, other more specific practices such as co-sleeping or breastfeeding may not be the best option for you. A) Yes, do not be afraid to follow your instincts and adapt these instructions to your needs. Finally, what works for everyone will be the most appropriate.
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