Living Magically The Life and Times of a Witch in the 21st Century

"Attachment Parenting"

I just wanted to share with you all.

I've been "attachment parenting" for almost 16 years now, (although I didn't know that's what I was doing).

I just listened to my body and to my children, and I parented in a way that felt good. - To both of us -

I held my babies until they squirmed out of my arms to crawl or walk. I carried them, I nursed them, I slept with them. I self-weaned (which means the babies wean themselves). I didn't make my kids kiss, hug or converse with people, just because the person wanted them to. This went for family, acquaintances and friends, as well as strangers. I supported them, meeting their needs, rather than the needs of the people around them. If grama wanted a kiss, too bad, grama is an adult; she can deal with rejection (hee hee). My child will only kiss who they want, when they want.

If they really really really want to take ballet, and then on the third class they realize that people are looking at them and it makes them too uncomfortable and never want to go back......I ate the cost and told them that they didn't have to return (my teenage daughter still thanks me for that). Even though she enrolled in gymnastics, swimming, soccer and many other things and never completed many of them....that was okay with me. Sometimes I think I'll like something and then, after trying it, I change my mind; so why can't she?

When she was bullied at school, we began homeschooling. When she wanted to go back in grade 10, she went back. When she didn't want to continue anymore after 4 months of trying this out, I supported her 100% and wrote the letter to remove her from school.

Don't think she's a quitter, 'cause she isn't! She is a trier. She tries this and tries that and likes to dip her finger in every flavour to make sure she likes that one best. Nothing wrong with that!

Now she's almost 16, and will probably try many more different experiences before she dies of old age.......and I cherish the fact that I never told her no, just because I figured she may quit before she completed it.......and hey, I've done the same with her brother and little sister.

So, if any of you are worried about what your children will turn out like...if they follow my wonderful daughter...they will be confident, secure, independent, a leader rather than a follower; able to amuse themselves and still able to ask for a hug or assistance whenever needed! (and hey, even a great swimmer, able to do cartwheels and may or may not like a tutu!)

By Aleesha Stephenson