API Speaks is a forum for sharing information and personal stories about the journey of Attachment Parenting (AP). We welcome contributions from any blogger who has a story to tell about their AP journey. Because we hope to create a community here at API Speaks, contributors who are willing to post at least once a month are preferred. However, if you have a truly inspirational story, it will always be considered.

While API is founded upon the Eight Principles of Attachment Parenting, we do not want the stories shared on API Speaks to be limited to discussions of the Eight Principles. Instead, consider the Principles to be touchstones for your blog post. Keep in mind that the intent of the posts on API Speaks should be to educate and support parents, so please keep the tone of posts positive and non-judgmental.

Because API is a global, not-for-profit organization, comprised of members who have a variety of cultural, political, and religious beliefs, API Speaks must remain both inclusive and non-political. As such, posts will be reviewed and changes, if necessary, will be suggested to the poster prior to publication. Changes will never be made (other than correcting typos or spelling) without the input of the original poster–we’re aiming for sensitivity here, not censorship! If you ever have a question about the appropriateness of a blog topic, please do not hesitate to contact Amy (bloggers AT attachmentparenting DOT org) or Julie (apispeaks AT attachmentparenting DOT org).

Posts are typically in the 300-500 word range, but that is a general guideline. Take as many (or as few) words as you need to tell your story, but consider breaking a really long post into multiple posts or even a “Part I” and “Part II” to keep your fans coming back for more!

While contributors to API Speaks maintain the copyright to all their work, and cross-posting on the contributor’s blog is encouraged, we do ask that you do not post your work anywhere besides your blog (whether paid or unpaid) for 90 days after publication on API Speaks. This exclusivity adds value to our readers without us asking you to give us copyright on your work!

A Note About Comments on the Blog

Please use your best judgment about whether a particular comment that you are posting will be of value to the AP community in general or better suited to being sent directly to an individual.

The blog should not be used as a vehicle for selling products or services. Business advertising is available; please contact advertising AT attachmentparenting DOT org for more information.

Even though we have much in common, the AP community is diverse. Part of our goal is to treat everyone with respect — and give each other the benefit of the doubt that we mean well — even when there is disagreement.

Everyone will be treated with respect and courtesy regardless of their parenting style or views. When necessary, the blog Admins will step in to offer clarification on how one of API’s Principles applies to a situation.