Keep Calm and Carry On

Posted by Theresa on September 20th, 2012 . Filed under: Attachment Parenting .

Attachment parents of the universe are all up in arms after the publication of this article on Huffington Post.

 

I personally can’t figure out what the big deal is.  Yes, the article was disrespectful.  But it was also obviously facetious.  No, Blossom (aka. Mayim Bialik) is NOT nursing a 25 year old.  It’s a joke.

 

In any case, here’s what I think:  If you feel confident about your parenting, why let a dumb article trashing attachment parenting bother you?  Especially when the writer of the article clearly doesn’t know what Attachment Parenting is actually about.  If YOU are confident about how you’re parenting, then just keep calm and carry on.

Because, I don’t know, the parents she was describing?  Those weren’t me.  Not at all.  I don’t have a 3 year old who still won’t sleep without me.  I haven’t given up my social life or my sex life just because I have children.  And I don’t believe that most Attachment Parents have.  Even if that was me she was describing, if I knew that what I was doing was right for my family, I wouldn’t care what she thought.  She doesn’t know me.  She doesn’t know what my kids need.

I actually find articles like this one interesting.  I like hearing other points of view.  I like seeing what other people think about me and people like me.  I’m not going assume she doesn’t have a point just because I disagree with her.  I am confident enough in my beliefs and values that I don’t let it bother me if we do disagree.  And I don’t want to miss a good point just because I’m too scared to let go of my beloved opinions.

The thing is, if we let ourselves get worked up about everything people say that goes against what we believe?  Well…we’re hardly gonna have any time to pay attention to our kids!  Or our marriages.

 

I know I’m a good momma.  I know I’m doing the best I can for my kids, for my marriage, and for myself.  So, when someone thinks the way I parent is dumb?

I’m just gonna keep calm and carry on.  Wanna join me?

 

 

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  • http://twitter.com/newagehippymama New Age Hippy Mama

    I’ll join you! :)

    • http://www.highheelhippiemommy.com/ Theresa

      Thanks for the company! :)

  • shelia

    YEAH!!!!! I’m right on board with you :)

    • http://www.highheelhippiemommy.com/ Theresa

      Yay!

  • http://twitter.com/mightymarce Marcy Hogan

    The thing that bugs me about those articles is they perpetuate negative stereotypes that might keep people who may not know much about AP but could really benefit from it, from exploring what it’s about. I hear parents say things like, “Oh I really like bringing my baby into bed with me but can’t because I don’t want to start a bad habit…” It makes me sad that people end up believing the ignorant stereotypes. Many of us do feel secure in our parenting decisions, but so many parents don’t and that’s who I think gets hurt in these media fights and why many AP parents speak up to defend AP.

    • http://www.highheelhippiemommy.com/ Theresa

      Yes, I completely agree. Although, I think the REASON why AP is being attacked more visibly is BECAUSE there are more people speaking out for AP. The fact that the author was addressing Dr. Sears? I think that’s a good thing. People will want to see who this guy is. The fact that she’s poking fun at Mayim? Shows that Mayim is causing some awareness at least.

  • Chloe

    You’re fab. I wish everyone had the same confidence their own skills and could spend less time judging/criticising others with less self-belief. Each to their own….

  • Shannon Lynn

    Awesome.

  • Raquel Molczan

    i’m also practice AP, and I’ve had my share of criticism. as long as our marriage is strong, our children are happy, healthy and no one is being harmed, then it really shouldn’t be anyone’s concern. i think the knowledge and education we have on the matter helps us with out confidence. sure, we doubt ourselves sometimes. but then i think about all the authoritarian parents, and the negative effect they have on the relationship with their children. that reality, only confirms my decisions are correct for my desire to parent peacefully. from the little that i’ve read on your blog, it seems to me you’re doing a wonderful job!