Time to Reconnect??

One of the basics of Attachment Parenting is to bond with your child, raising them in a respectful and loving relationship, reacting to their cues. Many associate Attachment Parenting with stay-at-home parents, even though that misconception is vanishing rapidly. AP is gaining more follower, people of all ages and walks of life. Not just parents of babies, but parents with children of all ages are adapting this style of parenting, or they are using what they feel comfortable with.

One of the positive things I see in this trend to the "alternative" (some people still think all AP'lers are extremists!) is that more and more people are sacrificing material possessions to spend more time with their children. More parents are giving up their second or third job, cutting down on unnecessary expenses, and are staying home! Think of the change this trend will bring to our society and economy! Not only will our children regain the values of receiving a gift, or cherishing the things they own because they know mom and dad had to work hard for them. They will also learn that they do not HAVE to have a $500-$700 Christmas, the $200 sports shoes, or the other over-rated products that are geared towards our children. Sad is that parents have been programmed to provide these things! While working in retail store one Christmas season, I saw many people hand me 3 or 4 credit cards until one finally ran through. All the others had maxed out! Then the rush for returns! This totally disgusted me, because I was hit in the face with the reality of materialism, and those parents were EXPECTED to buy these expensive toys and clothes for their children. By not providing the money for expensive tennis shoes, our children will learn that they have to work for extras, and I bet those will be the best-taken-care-of shoes they have! I babysat all summer for my first pair of high-top Nikes to play basketball with!  (Many years ago!!!) I must admit, I spoil my daughter, but I will also teach her that she does need a designer name, or an expensive toy, to be a wonderful person. That her and I get to go to the park in the afternoon and play, because she does not need an extra TV, game, etc.

Take your kids and reconnect. I spend a half and hour every morning with my daughter before I leave the house. We just cuddle and horse around, and sometimes I leave with my hair in a bun and no makeup because I didn't have time to do the do, but my happy face makes up for that! It takes me through my day until lunchtime! There are some great resources for families on the net, with lots of fun and low cost ideas.http://www.familyfun.com and http://familyeducation.com/home both have tons of ideas, recipes, travel resources, and special occasion ideas.http://www.parentsoup.com is one of the classics, with ideas and forums for all ages. Find the appropriate board, ask, "What free or low-cost things can I do with my 2yr old" and you will get lots of great and inspirational ideas. I tried it! Even if your time is very limited, it is more beneficial for your child to have your UNDIVIDED attention for a half an hour in the evening, than a forced few hours on "set" days.

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