Attachment Parenting And Its Contributing Factors

Attachment parenting is a concept developed based on the attachment theory conceptualized by Bowlby in 1971. Bowlby described attachment as a complex two way relationship in which the child becomes emotionally attached to members of his or her family. Usually mothers, father, and siblings in a descending order of intensity.

Attachment to mothers is an adaptive, biological process serving the needs of the child for protection and nurturing. This entire system according to Bowlby can be best understood as a "control mechanism" in which proximity to the mother is maintained to a series of signals emitted by both the mother and child. The later of capacity of the child to develop social relationships is considered to be based on the way with which attachment behavior is established. Particular emphasis needs to be put on the central importance of both the biological and social ties with the mother. Although the infant's tendency to form the attachment to its mother is genetically determined, the behavior of those around the child will influence he security of the attachment.

There are three main patterns of attachment that can be characterized by observation of the toddler's behavior with the mother: 1) secure attachment: the mother initially provides a secure base for exploration and the child is readily comforted if distressed, the child in essence seeks to maintain contact. 2) anxious or resistant attachment: the child is initially too anxious to leave his mother, when distressed and reunited with the mother the child maybe aggressive, cry and refuse to be comforted or show considerable passivity.3) anxious/avoidant attachment: the child explores readily away from the mother and is unduly friendly with strangers. After a period of separation he will ignore or avoid his mother. 4) Disorganized/ disoriented attachment: when reunited with the mother, child exhibits conflicting emotions of anger, fear and the wish to be with her.

Proponents of attachment parenting theorize that, if parents are able to foster a secure attachment with their children it has an all in all positive effective on there upbringing and eventual stability in adult hood. They say that there are eight basic principles to strive for, for successful parenting. 1) adequate preparation for pregnancy, birth and eventual parenting, 2)nurturing with love and respect this includes feeding and the changing of diapers, 3) always be sensitive to there problems, 4) ensure there safety and make homes as stress free physically as well as emotionally, 5) use the comforting and nurturing touch, 6) be consistent in your love and do not show resentment towards them, 7) always practice positive habits and try and inculcate as such in them, 8) be the balanced family in personal and familial relations.

Attachment parents tend to practice the natural family living model that is natural birth, home parenting, breast feeding, and etc but these practices can also be subject to natural and cultural parenting values. Most proponents say there are no strict rules when it comes to attachment parenting, parents are just required to be perceptive to there child's needs and always be supportive of there efforts ranging from schooling to social upbringing. They need to focus on developing a secure and everlasting attachment with there kids.