My Beef with Attachment Parenting

jens_a_ten

Mouse, i think the point that your experience raises, is that there isn't one single formula for successful kid raising. Kids are all different, and a lot of parenting is just trial and error and trying to do what you think is best.It's been brought up by others before, but my problem with AP is that a lot of the time it's more for the mother, not the kid. They want to be number one, be needed, be important, etc. etc. I think the dependence and neediness that happens in the kids is more from them sensing that urgency from the mother, and not the AP habits themselves.If parents are trying to do what they think is best, and doing so as unselfishly and open-mindedly as possible, I think that gives the best chances of having well adjusted kids.

BrideBuddies

True "farm kids" are a pretty tough breed, even today.   Mouse, your example is pretty extreme, but not impossible.  I didn't know a single teen who had anything worse than maybe a broken arm or leg by doing farm work.  Most of the farm casualties I knew of were adults who used bad judgment when using equipment.  But it happened fairly regularly.I was actually a "town kid" who just did stuff in the summertime, either on my grandparents' farm or as a work crew member for a local corn plant.  On the crew, we were always supervised by adults or college-aged people. It's just a very different way of life compared to what most American kids experience.

Irishgrl417

My parents didn't make us get jobs but we did have responsiblities. Their methods worked for me but probably backfired with my brother. I babysat a bit but didn't get a job until college workstudy. He's 33 and the only thing he's done that is close to resembling a job is run a church youth group for a few years but that was closer to volunteering. And, Wendy, I know the guy wasn't having fun that's why I was using it as an example of when slings could be a good thing. Of course I realize it may be a necessity during shopping but I just thought a big stroller at a 25 dollar ticket indoor Food & Wine Fest wasn't the best plan. He did seem annoyed at his wife that he had to push the kids around, probably since it was her idea to bring them. But I guess people would've judged them if the kids were in slings and they were drinking beer and wine samples over their heads.

FallinAgain

There are some places that I think are just inappropriate to take small children, whatever mode of transportation you use.  A Food and Wine Festival is one of those places. Arrange for a sitter or stay home.

Irishgrl417

Fallin, I think I should just allow you to speak for me. Lately I've been agreeing with just about everything you say.

tastyburger

I am 99% sure that if Car's mom knew about AP, she'd be doing it.  In fact, I might tell her about it to watch her freak out for putting him in the stroller the past month or so.  LOLAlso, as an aside:1. Farm and field work have a whole different set of guidelines as far as labor law (at least in IL for sure).  2. I've been working since 14, but it was my own choice (no pressure from 'rents).  I liked buying my own shampoo and conditioner since my mom would only buy Sauve.3. Personally, after newborn stage, I only see AP as a security blanket for the MOTHER, not the child.