Attachment Parenting and Education

As attachment parents we always try to be cognizant of our children’s needs in daily life and respectful of their feelings. We want to make sure that they always feel they can approach us with their concerns, dreams, and desires and that we will do our best to help them realize those wishes, find a suitable alternative, or deal with disappointment when things are not to be. This extends to schooling and education as well even though it is quite typical for kids to have no say in how their education is directed and executed.

Attached parents usually give much more thought to educational needs than typical parents do. We know that each child is unique and they they have their own learning style. Cookie cutter public schools do not do a good job of addressing those differences so we as parents have to find ways to better tailor the education to the child. Here are some ideas:

• Try homeschooling during the preschool years. This helps you identify their learning style (visual, auditory, tactile, kinesthetic, etc.)
• Buy educational toys and games so that learning is viewed as an enjoyable part of life… not a chore.
• Provide kids with educational resources to the extent you can and take them on field trips to zoos, science museums, art galleries, botanical gardens, historical locations, etc.
• Nurture their inborn love of learning and their natural curiosity.
• Make a list of pros and cons. List all the benefits and drawbacks of public schooling, homeschooling, and private schooling. Having it all written down can make it easier to see what the best option is.
• If public school is your best option, be aware that you still have some choices. You will surely have a traditional public school in your area but you may also have a charter school or even a magnet school.
• Meet with your child’s teacher to explain learning styles and to give him/her tips on the best ways to encourage learning and participation. Stay in contact all throughout the year.
• Volunteer at your child’s school as much as you can.
• Look for ways to fund a private school if you want to go that route, with scholarships and grants.
• If your child has an IEP, see if you can leverage that into a free or low cost private education or tutor.
• Try different homeschool curriculum or even an eclectic or unschooling approach to see if your children respond positively.
• Always keep expectations reasonable and appropriate to the developmental level of your child.
• Be your child’s number one champion and advocate, no matter where they go to school.
• Keep the communication lines open and try to view the educational journey through their eyes.
• Help them eat well, stay active, and get enough sleep. All of these things can help or hinder their education.
• Be familiar with all that is required of them, ie homework and help them structure a schedule to get it done.
• Create ways to help them de-school when they come home with fun family events and evening traditions.

How does AP help you be a better educator for your children?

This is part of the Green Moms Weekly column. In honor of National AP month we are answering the question: How do you think attachment parenting enhances learning? Read how other moms answered this question, like Carrie and Rachel, and play along yourself if you want. Enjoy!