Comments on: Attachment Parenting Our Teens

By: Laurie

Laurie — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 14:32:42 +0000

I agree that parents need to be reminded that children are…children even when they have a two-digit age. So many parents say, “Well, they’re nine now and they’ll be teenagers soon…” For sure, they need that bonding and reassurance especially as they move through the uncertainty that adolescence brings. What I don’t understand is the judgment I hear for parents who don’t walk the exact same path you have chosen. There are portions of AP that some people do not embrace for one reason or the other and it certainly does not harm their children in most cases. My hope is that, people who choose to take AP to the max are doing so to contribute to a more peaceful world, not to feel superior to others.

By: Julia

Julia — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 05:15:25 +0000

BTW- “almost” an adult is a “child” by legal standards.

By: Julia

Julia — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 05:14:06 +0000

Beautiful article! I just wanted to mention, as a homeschool parent and a former Montessori student, that both unschooling and Montessori share things in common during the teen years. Both are honoring and respectful of the individual, and child-led, where they’re allowed the freedom to explore their own interests.

By: Alan

Alan — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 18:42:37 +0000

Stop referring to him as a “child” He’s seventeen, almost an adult by legal standards.

By: Eileen

Eileen — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 19:47:56 +0000

Loved the refreshing difference to reward/punishment. It makes the stress of parenting a teenager go away when mutual respect is the main goal, not “winning” arguments or controlling behaviors. I know that when my teen or I feel controlled or disrespected, it just doesn’t go anywhere and plan just doesn’t feel right!

By: Julinda

Julinda — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 23:15:00 +0000

Enjoyed the article. My kids go to public school but I try to be watchful for its effects.

By: Sites I LOVE « welcome2ourzoo

Sites I LOVE « welcome2ourzoo — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 09:56:29 +0000

[...] Attachment Parenting is a form of parenting where sling wearing / co sleeping is the norm and I love the closeness of this parenting idea. I do love to research this type of thing and find it fascinating. [...]

By: WIlma

WIlma — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 11:34:48 +0000

Thanks for such a wonderful article. I am mom to two toddlers, and they are far from their teens. BUT I really love being with them, cuddling! It is so precious, and I want it to last for as long as they let it! Wonderful!

By: Lili

Lili — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 12:13:26 +0000

Thank you for sharing your wisdom in such a clear way.

By: Laurie A. Couture

Laurie A. Couture — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 23:06:55 +0000

Thank you everyone for all of these wonderful comments- I am so heart-warmed to hear your positive feedback and how the article reinforced your instincts.

@Kelly, unschooling is the natural state of children’s learning and the way nature intended children to learn. Most other forms of education are cultural and often imposed upon children. School environments can disrupt secure parent-child attachment. My research has supported this view.

@crzzi and @Rita, how heartwarming to hear from other Moms who cherish their teens and enjoy a deep connection with them!

@Celeste, please be cautious around the “Love and Logic” series- They are not attachment parenting advocates and actually advocate for coercive, punitive tactics, including corporal punishment. I researched the series for my Master’s Thesis many years ago and had to go through some of it with a fine toothed comb. I do not recommend those books. Check out Jan Hunt, Pam Leo, Ashley Montagu, Jean Liedloff and my own book, Instead of Medicating and Punishing.

Laurie