Attached at the Heart: Eight Proven Parenting Principles for Raising Connected and Compassionate Children

Attached at the Heart offers readers practical parenting advice for the modern age. In its most basic form, "attachment parenting" is instinctive. A crying baby is comforted and kept close to parents for protection. If hungry, he or she is breastfed. And while it is understood that there is no such thing as perfect parenting, research suggests that there is a strong correlation between a heightened sense of respect, empathy, and affection in those children raised the "attachment parenting" way.

In this controversial book, readers will gain much needed insight into childrearing while learning to trust the intuitive knowledge of their child, ultimately building a strong foundation that will strengthen the parent-child bond. Using the Eight Principles of Parenting, readers will learn:

• How to prepare for baby before birth
• Why breastfeeding is a must for busy moms
• When to start feeding solid food
• How to respond to temper tantrums
• Sleeping safety guidelines and the benefits of cosleeping
• Tips for short separation
• How to practice positive discipline and its rewards
• Tips for finding and maintaining balance
• The benefits of using a baby sling and implementing infant massage
• Tips on dealing with criticism from those opposed or unfamiliar with AP style
• The dangers surrounding traditional discipline styles of parenting

Contrary to popular belief, "attachment parenting" has been practiced in one form or another since recorded history. Over the years, it had been slowly replaced by a more detached parenting style—a style that is now believed by experts to be a lead contributing factor to suicide, depression, and violence.