Attachment parenting: Giving kids respectful, attentive, educated care

MANILA, Philippines - Parents each have their different ways of raising their own children — but one thing they all have in common is that they are all searching for the best way. These days, the parenting philosophy making the most waves is attachment parenting.

“Attachment parenting is being sensitive to your children’s needs and forming a respectful and compassionate connection with them,” said Dr. Patricia Kho, an OB-gynecologist from Makati Medical Center, during her talk at the Joyful Parenting event organized by Philips Avent and Baby Co. at the SM Megamall event center recently.

According to Kho, here are some things attachment parenting practitioners do:

Prepare for pregnancy, birth, and parenting. Attachment parenting begins even before the child’s birth. While the best options may vary depending on the parents’ situation, the important thing is that you study your options so that you can choose the one that will be most advantageous for their child.

Feed with love and respect. Parents who respect their child do not let their baby go hungry simply because the clock says it is not yet feeding time. If your baby is hungry, feed him. When he is full, let him stop.

Hold your child. Kho said, “There is scientific evidence that holding and carrying your children helps develop your bond with them and increases their EQ.” So hold your children as much as you can. You may want to get a popular attachment parenting tool: the sling.

Co-sleep safely. There is no quicker, easier way to monitor your child and respond to his needs than if he was on the same bed with you.

Although attachment parenting usually involves co-sleeping, baby wearing, and breastfeeding, it is important to understand that more than a set of practices, attachment parenting is a matter of attitude. It is about treating children with love and respect, disciplining them fairly, listening when they talk, and hugging them as often as you can.

Philips Avent’s line of breastfeeding, toddler feeding, and health care products helps parents give their children the respectful, loving care that they need for optimal development.

To learn more about Philips Avent products, log on to http://www.philips.com.ph. Philips Avent products can be bought at all Baby Co. stores nationwide.