Time Magazine has sent shock waves into the world with the cover story this week on "extreme parenting." On their cover is a nursing three year old, standing at the breast. There has been a ton of commentary on it and some really interesting points. The article is about parenting styles, largely attachment parenting. I disagree with some of the concepts.
Why do we have to name ourselves? Aren't we just parents? You don't have to do x, y or z to call yourself an "attachment parent." There are plenty of people who only do x or y and there are some parents who do x, y, z and q, but don't identify themselves as attachment parents.
I don't know that we really have gurus. Seriously, Dr. Sears and his wife, Martha, have brought a concept of listening to baby to the forefront of the minds of many, but they weren't the first to do it. It was simply that they were some of the loudest proponents of telling mothers that it was okay to listen to their instincts. The mother and family are the true gurus, because every baby is different.
My advice? Do what's right for you and your family. Don't let anyone force you into doing something that doesn't feel right for you. That said, explore your options and open your mind. When you don't know what is out there in terms of raising a child, you don't really have any options and can't really make a choice.
Here are some interesting reads on the topic:
What are your thoughts on the topic?
Related:
Parenting Style Quiz Weaning Starting Solid Foods Breastfeeding Class
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Extended Breastfeeding & Extreme Parenting originally appeared on About.com Pregnancy & Childbirth on Friday, May 11th, 2012 at 19:37:16.
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