attachment theory — Blog

Your Parenting Approach is Doing More Harm Than Good

I remember the first time I heard the term ‘conscious parent’

What is that? Is it good or bad?

I knew helicopter parenting was bad, along with snowplow parenting.

Attachment parenting was…very polarizing.

Gentle parenting was the new kid in town, vague but cool.

Fast forward 7 years and I’m well versed in the merits and pitfalls of all the popular parenting approaches. And there are a lot.

Now I’ve become highly skeptical of approaches and wary of anything labelled parenting advice in general. While their books, blogs, podcasts and social media accounts feel like every answer you’ve been waiting for - I’d argue their patented approach often does more harm than good.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed and discouraged in a world where it seems everyone has this parenting thing figured out, have a read

Bedtime Stories: Why reading is a powerful part of the bedtime routine for children

In our 7 years of parenting, reading books as part of our bedtime routine has been undeniable. From my work and conversations with friends, I know this is true for most parents. This is not the result of savvy PR; reading books has earned its place by being the perfect bedtime ritual based solely on its merits. Sure, parents are often told the importance of reading for literacy, vocabulary and instilling a love of reading, but these benefits have nothing to do with the lasting popularity and success of this bedtime tradition.

Bedtime love notes - How to keep your preschooler in bed

Three years ago, my daughter moved out of our crib and our bedtime routine turned upside down. Suddenly she needed me specifically to lie down with her until she fell asleep. While I was happy to do this, I also had a baby in need of my attention and both my husband and I wanted to more flexibility with our evening.

Looking for something in particular? Search ‘sleep’ or ‘highly sensitive’ for the resources you need!