Attachment Parenting your preschool aged child

Many people know what attachment parenting looks like for your babies and toddlers (co-sleeping, slinging, breastfeeding etc..), but what happens when your "little" one has long since weaned and potty trained? Here are some ways to keep the close relationship you enjoyed with your babies strong as your kids grows into the preschool age!

Physical Touch
One of the basic tenets of attachment parenting is the importance of physical closeness with your child. You kept your baby close in a sling and co-slept with him so that he could feel safe in the world. Now that your child is older, that physical touch can and should continue, in a way that feels comfortable for the both of you. That may include back rubs, sitting on your lap, bear hugs and even kisses.

Gentle Discipline
You rejected spanking and harsh discipline for your children, and this doesn't change as they get older. In fact, it may be even easier to implement natural consequences with older kids. As they mature, they have even more respect for your authority and wisdom, no matter how they may deny that to you!

In addition, the attachment you nourished with your babies will pay off in spades as they mature. Kids who feel safe not to be treated or spoken to harshly will come forward more freely when they've done something they're not proud of. Be sure not to overreact if you hear something you don't like. While kids will still make plenty of mistakes and test your limits, if you remain calm and collected, they are often willing to acknowledge "you were right Mom" in the end.

Spend Quality Time With Your Child:
Sitting on the floor and giving your child quality time can keep the bond between mother and child going strong. Give eye contact when your child talks, and be genuinely interested in what he/she is saying. This shows your child how important he/she is to you.


Respect For Their Needs
Just as you responded to your young baby's cry and your toddler's on again/off again clinginess, you will continue to show respect for your child's needs as they change and grow. Listening to your kids and trying to find the underlying cause of their behavior (or mis-behavior!) is very important as they grow and mature.

As your child grows older, their problems will become more serious and will tug at your heart with even more ferocity. You may find yourself wishing that making them feel better was as easy as it was when they were infants. While you can't make everything unpleasant go away (nor would you want to), you can be the safe harbor in their changing world.