This archive report was first published on 14 January 2020.
January 14, 2020, marked a significant discussion on parenting techniques, with experts weighing in on the benefits of attached parenting.
Championed by American paediatrician Dr William Sears, attached parenting relies on parents responding to their baby's needs and fostering a close, physical bond with them.
Professor Susan Krauss Whitbourne of the University of Massachusetts Amherst has praised attached parenting, stating that it can help children grow up to be happier and more confident.
She identified four key concepts of attached parenting: co-sleeping, feeding on demand, maintaining physical contact through cuddling or wearing a harness, and responding to crying rather than allowing it to continue.
According to Professor Whitbourne, securely attached adults have happier and less conflict-ridden lives, and research suggests they may be better parents themselves.
Infants raised with attached parenting techniques have lower stress levels, cry less often, and feel more connected to other people as they get older, even showing higher levels of empathy.
Professor Whitbourne concludes that attached parenting can alleviate stress in parents, resulting in fewer tantrums and children being able to adjust easier to babysitters or nursery.
