While Attachment parenting is marketed as a unique and loving way to parent, this method of parenting has its detractors as well. While every type of parenting advice and model has both pros and cons, it is important that prospective parents understand that the important thing is finding a style of parenting that works for them and their baby. Research and homework are advised as you look for that model of parenting that fits you, your lifestyle and your baby, so if you are looking at Attachment parenting here are the pros and cons.
Cons-
•Many critics of Attachment parenting say that it can be very strenuous and demanding on parents. This is especially true if the parents are without a support network of helpful friends or family. The work of parenting can be difficult and many experts feel that this has led to an “age of anxiety” for mothers in modern American society.
•Critics also feel that Attachment parenting can lead to an ideology of intensive mothering that imposes unrealistic obligations. Many parents wishing to follow the principlies of Attachment parenting find little support and help from family and friends. Many other parents even report negative comments and behavior from family and friends when trying to impliment Attachment parenting principles.
•Criticism of Attachment parenting includes the statement that to fully experience Attachment parenting is to literally perpetuate a double shift life for working women. Many women who work outside the home find that the demands of Attachment parenting further weigh them down with obligation and sometimes guilt.
•Many experts feel that there is no conclusive or convincing body of research, aside from testimonials from participating parents, that shows this labor-intensive approach to be in any way superior to what attachment parents term “mainstream parenting”. This includes long-term studies as well.
•Critics of Attachment parenting point out that “co-sleeping” or the “family bed” can be dangerous to a new baby who can be suffocated or crushed by the adult sleepers in the bed. Sleep experts also feel that this type of sleeping prevents the child from developing the independence needed to sleep in their own bed as they get older.
•Attachment parenting promotes non-circumsion for baby boys. Medical experts state that this could lead to an increased risk of certain diseases and problems for these children later in life.
•Parents wishing to practice Attachment parenting state they often feel a sense of failure and heightened distress if medical or family circumstances prevent intial bonding with their baby.
Pros-
•One of the main tenets of Attachment parenting is breast-feeding. Current studies show that babies who are breast fed tend to be healthier, more secure and even score higher on IQ tests! In addition the bond between breastfeeding mom and baby tends to help form a secure attachment for the baby as he or she grows. Breastfeeding also tends to be an economical choice for many families.
•Attachment parenting promotes a sensitivity between parent and baby that helps further develop a secure relationship as the child grows.
•Attachment parenting is a not a new philosophy and has been practiced by many different socities around the world.
•Attachment parenting promotes positive discipline through non-voilent means. The positive discipline approach sees the child as a valuable human being to be respected and taught.
•Attachment parenting is seen as a series of recommendations not as a strict rules that must be followed. Even the strongest proponents of Attachment parenting recommend finding what works for you and modifying what is not working. Many parents choose to follow some aspects of Attachment parenting while not following other principles or modifying them to fit their lifestyle and baby needs.
Parenting viewpoints from parents in the trenches, because parenting doesn’t come with a manual. In addition to
Actually, no major medical organization in the world recommend routine infant circumcision. A short search will garner you that information. I am not pro attachment parenting, but to loop that in there and state that it could lead to further disease is ridiculous, as even the American Academy of Pediatrics says there is not enough evidence to make circumcision a necessary surgery, and in most parts of the world (only about 15% of men world wide are circumcised) it is considered cosmetic and even barbaric by their health organizations. Removing breast tissue at birth would prevent all breast cancer. Removing the teeth would prevent cavities. Would you suggest routinely cutting all that out at birth to prevent some potential future disease or problem which your child may or may not have?