Attachment Parenting International: Nonprofit Spotlight

This is the first in a series of articles spotlighting various parenting nonprofit organizations in the United States. Parenting is a full-time job and with the wealth of information that these nonprofit organizations provide, your job as a parent can be made easier. The first organization to be featured is Attachment Parenting International.

What is Attachment Parenting International?
Attachment Parenting International (API) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose vision statement is Peaceful Parenting for a Peaceful World. From the API website, the principles that guide the organization are:

• Attachment Parenting practices fulfill a child's need for trust, empathy, and affection, providing a foundation for healthy relationships that last a lifetime.
• Attachment Parenting practices help to reduce or prevent child abuse, behavioral disorders, crime and other serious social problems.
• Every family is unique, with unique needs and resources.

What is Attachment Parenting?
Attachment parenting can easily be summed up as responsive parenting. Attachment parenting has its roots in John Bowlby's theories of attachment. The phrase "attachment parenting" was coined by Dr. William Sears, a pediatrician and well-known author. API has declared their Eight Principles of Attachment Parenting: prepare for pregnancy, birth, and parenting; feed with love and respect; respond with sensitivity; use nurturing touch; engage in nighttime parenting; provide consistent and loving care; practice positive discipline; and strive for balance in personal and family life.