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Hey there mama, would you consider yourself “crunchy?”

I think the first “crunchy” thing I ever got into was either coconut oil or the “no-poo” method of hair washing. Being crunchy comes in all kinds of different styles, and some people are definitiely crunchier than others and that’s ok.

What would you say is the crunchiest thing you do?

Anyways, if you consider yourself a “crunchy mama” you’ve probably heard of Attachment Parenting and maybe even consider yourself to be an Attachment Parent.

On The Moving Mama I talk a lot about Gentle Parenting, which you don’t hear as much about, but I think it is an extremely effective approach to parenting. So I have written an article to compare Attachment Parenting and Gentle Parenting which you can read here.

Attachment isn’t bad

Sometimes people wonder if Attachment Parenting is bad. I say no! Unfortunately, there can be a negative connotation with the word “attachment,” as if a child could be too attached to the parent in a way that somehow wouldn’t be beneficial.

Children need security with attachment, but they also need parents who believe they are capable and give them opportunities to become independent without forcing them stressfully far out of their comfort zone.

Often those who oppose attachment parenting are under the impression that it will somehow hinder a child’s independence. 

It might be hard to wrap your mind around at first, but attachment actually helps to create independence for children. There is a big difference between coddling a child and doing everything for them even when they are capable, vs creating a secure attachment that gives the child the confidence to do things independently.

Emotional health is so important for children and it will reflect their emotional health as an adult as well.

I might call myself an Attachment Parent, but I prefer to label myself as a Gentle Parent because that term seems to include the principals of Attachment Parenting and more! Read all about the differences and similarities here.

Would you consider yourself an Attachment Parent? Or a Gentle Parent? What made you decide to take this approach to parenting or did it just come naturally to you?

I wish you luck on your parenting journey,

Lizzy

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