Author: API Blog

APtly Said, Formerly API Speaks launched in April of 2008 as part of Attachment Parenting International's larger effort to offer interactive content through their newly-redesigned web site: http://www.attachmentparenting.org. All contributors to APtly Said, as with so many of API's staff, are volunteers who donate their time and energy to promote Attachment Parenting world wide.

Your words can change the world: API needs your help!

We all know the immense value of words in our homes, with our children and partners. Our words have the power to uplift others, to strengthen our bonds with our children and spouses, to repair a connection that needs a little boost after a conflict.

Your words also have the power to help change the world — through Attachment Parenting International (API).

“If people would follow the philosophy of attachment parenting as advocated by API, we could actually begin to produce generations of children that become exceptional grown-ups.” ~ signingspangler, donor

We need your help! API needs 10 new, positive reviews added to its profile on GreatNonprofits by Friday, March 31. As a nonprofit, API relies on a vast global network of volunteers plus donations to cover basic operating expenses. The reviews on GreatNonprofits earn API good-standing among potential donors who graciously choose to give. All we need for this GreatNonprofits status is positive reviews from the parents and professionals benefiting from our publications, programs, and services.

“API has helped me grow as a person to be a better mother to my daughter and keep the harmony and love. Thank you for spreading the love.” ~ Myrlam P., parent

If you love API’s work, please tell the world through GreatNonprofits! Taking just 3 minutes to share your story helps API to be listed as Top-Rated. It’s quick, easy, and really helps!

“API provides grounded resources and inspiration for families seeking deep connection with their children as a foundation for lifelong wellness. I have been personally inspired by their vision and dedication to bringing forward the wisdom of attachment science as both a professional and a parent. Thank you, API, for your commitment to families, and your positive impact on my own.” ~ Lisa494, attachment professional and parent

Balance tip #1: Strive to be a Very Good Parent, not the best

“Evaluate balance over a full day or week, not every single moment. Instead of wanting to be the ‘best’ parent who has to do everything right, choose to be a ‘very good’ parent who sometimes makes mistakes and learns from them. Parents have to learn ‘on the job’ and should give themselves a break — figuratively and literally. Parenting is hard work!” ~ Attached at the Heart: Eight Proven Parenting Principles for Raising Connected and Compassionate Children by Barbara Nicholson & Lysa Parker

Learn 16 tried-and-true tips for maintaining your sense of balance as a parent in this definitive guide to Attachment Parenting written by API’s cofounders. Purchase your copy through the Amazon link above to have a portion of the proceeds benefit Attachment Parenting International (API).

What about boys and Attachment Parenting?

“As a culture, we have always had different perceptions and expectations of boys. People often fear that if boys are nurtured too much, it somehow warps their personalities and makes them too dependent and too sensitive. Conventional attitudes about boys permeate all aspects of society — parents, grandparents, teachers, and coaches — and has created…a ‘boy code’: myths that boys’ behavior is driven solely by their hormones and not the environment, boys need to learn to be tough at an early age, and so on. This code has only served to force boys to become disconnected from their feelings — less sensitive and more aggressive.

New research has begun to reverse this trend by emphasizing the importance of mothers and fathers in nurturing strong emotional connections with their sons.” ~ Attached at the Heart: Eight Proven Parenting Principles for Raising Connected and Compassionate Children by Barbara Nicholson & Lysa Parker, API’s cofounders

Learn what this new research says, which directly makes the case for Attachment Parenting of our sons. Purchase your copy through the Amazon link above to have a portion of the proceeds benefit Attachment Parenting International (API).

Positive discipline: The ‘golden rule’ of parenting

“From the attachment parenting perspective, positive discipline embodies the ‘golden rule’ of parenting: In other words, treat children the way you would want to be treated if you were the child.

Positive discipline is an overarching concept based on the understanding that when a child is treated respectfully within loving, age-appropriate boundaries, he will develop a conscience guided by his own internal discipline and empathy for others.

Positive discipline is rooted in a secure, trusting, and loving relationship between parent and child.” ~ Attached at the Heart: Eight Proven Parenting Principles for Raising Connected and Compassionate Children by Barbara Nicholson & Lysa Parker

Learn 25 tried-and-true tips for positive discipline, and so much more in this definitive guide to attachment parenting written by API’s cofounders. Purchase your copy through the Amazon link above to have a portion of the proceeds benefit Attachment Parenting International.

The payoff of nurturing parenting

Parenting with the brain in mind

Through this webinar from PBS’s This Emotional Life — featuring Daniel J. Siegel, MD, of the Mindsight Institute, moderated by Kathryn Power, M.Ed, of SAMSHA — we learn how the quality of parent-child attachment impacts your child’s:

  • Brain development
  • Ability to form healthy relationships
  • Resiliency throughout life.

We also learn how the incredible importance that we, as parents, must work to become more aware of our own attachment with our parents in order to become more connected with our own children. It is our self-understanding that allows us to be more sensitive and connected to our children.

Check out more videos on API’s YouTube channel