Of course, there are both benefits and drawbacks to attachment parenting, and each family will experience this style in their own, personal way.
When it comes to parenting your children, there is no such thing as a “one size fits all” mentality. Moms parent in different ways and have varying approaches to child rearing. What works for one family may not work for the other, and all methods of parenting come loaded with their own unique list of pros and cons. Attachment parenting is focused on meeting the needs of the child in order to create a warm, loving, and trusting bond between parents and kids. Healthline defines this type of parenting style as being; “based on the concept that a parent’s connection and responsiveness to their baby’s needs have an everlasting effect on their baby’s future emotional health and relationships.” Attachment parenting begins at birth and continues throughout a child’s life, always putting the physical, mental, and emotional needs of the child at the top of the priority list.
Of course, there are both benefits and drawbacks to this type of child-rearing, and each family will experience this style in their own, personal way.
Pro Of Attachment Parenting: Emotionally Strong Connections
Parents that foster an attachment parenting style are more likely to be deeply connected to their children. These types of parents are often very aware of their child’s needs and feelings, and they take the time to invest in the emotional changes and challenges that their child will face as they develop. Communication is key in this parenting style, and parents make themselves available to discuss and work through all aspects of their child’s emotions. Metro Parent states that “nurturing connection is viewed as the ideal way to raise secure, independent, and empathetic children,” and this method of closeness lasts throughout the parent and child relationship.
Con Of Attachment Parenting: Lack Of Adventure
Children that are raised in an attachment style household are less likely to be adventurous kids. When parents are so closely involved in the lives of their children, they tend to shelter them more than other parents do.
This parenting style tends to encourage both young and older kids to err on the side of caution and play it safe, often resulting in less adventurous, far less risk-taking children. These kids may not be as willing to take physical risks through their teens and adulthood, which may limit some of the extra curricular events they participate in.
Pro Of Attachment Parenting: Strong Trust And Support System
Parents raising children under the umbrella of attachment parenting tend to foster strong, trusting bonds with their kids. Their children know that mom will always be there to listen and take care of whatever issue they may face in their lives, and there’s never any question about the fact that these types of parents will always be in their child’s corner. They’re likely to be involved in their kids’ lives, and will often be familiar with all the going’s on at their child’s school and within their circle of friends. Healthline reports that attachment parenting; “hones in on finding ways to calmly and appropriately respond (yes or no) and even ask for help when kids need it.”
Children born to parents that adapt an attachment parenting lifestyle are always aware of the fact that their parents are their biggest cheerleaders. If there is a school concert, a sporting event, or a job interview on the line, these children will always progress through life knowing their parents are there for them, willing to lend a hand as needed, and always there to lend a listening ear along with words of encouragement.
Con Of Attachment Parenting: The Balance Of Independence
Vittana reports that although this is considered to be one of the most pleasant, encouraging, and nurturing parenting styles, it may, at times, prove to be restrictive in the future. Some children raised in this manner will feel a sense of dependence upon their parents. Growing up with this level of nurture may discourage children from venturing out on their own and exploring their individuality. Living in such a harmonious home means that kids are comfortable and confident, which are both great things, but that definitely doesn’t lend to the exploration of a child’s independence.
Finding the balance between this parenting style, and knowing when to give kids a bit of a push to succeed in life on their own two feet is going to be the key element to ensuring the child’s success in their teens and well into adulthood.
Sources: Healthline, Very Well Family, Vittana, Metro Parent