Latest news with #DrSanamHafeez
Yahoo
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Is Ms. Rachel Good for Kids? A Neuropsychologist Weighs In
If you're the parent to a child under the age of five, there's a good chance you have heard of the YouTube sensation Ms. Rachel. Her educational videos for little ones are wildly popular, but there's so much content out there that it can be hard to discern what has real value and what's, well, crap. So, is Ms. Rachel good for kids? I got an answer to this question from a neuropsychologist (and mom-of-two). Here's what I learned. Meet the Expert Dr. Sanam Hafeez is a New York City-based neuropsychologist and director of Comprehend the Mind, a psychological practice that treats learning disorders, anxiety, depression and other psychopathological disorders. Dr. Hafeez obtained her Doctor of Psychology at Hofstra University and completed her post-doctoral training in neuropsychology and developmental pediatrics at Coney Island Hospital. Who Is Ms. Rachel? NBC/contributor/Getty Images In case you missed it, Ms. Rachel is a popular children's content creator known for her educational videos on YouTube. But what's her deal, you ask? Her real name is Rachel Griffin Accurso, and she's a preschool teacher and musician who started making videos to help toddlers with speech and language development after her own child experienced a speech delay. In her videos, Ms. Rachel sings songs, teaches simple words, and uses engaging visuals to keep kids interested. Check out her 'Songs for Littles' channel and you'll see why it has become a favorite resource for families worldwide. Why Is Ms. Rachel So Popular? NBC/contributor/Getty Images Everybody seems to love Ms. Rachel and, in case you're still wondering why, Dr. Hafeez broke it down for me: 'Ms. Rachel is so popular because she blends education and entertainment in a way that really resonates with toddlers. Her warm, gentle voice and clear speech help children learn new words and sounds with ease. The repetition in her songs and activities builds confidence in early language skills.' In other words, she's pretty good at doing what she set out to do: help toddlers and preschoolers develop language skills without overstimulating them. Plus, the expert notes that she's popular among parents because they 'trust her background as a preschool teacher and musician, which comes through in the thoughtful structure of each lesson.' Is Ms. Rachel Good for Kids? Dr. Hafeez tells me that Ms. Rachel's content is considered good for kids because it's designed to support early speech and language development with the use of simple words, repetition, and clear enunciation—all of which help toddlers learn how to talk. Perhaps most importantly, 'her songs and activities keep children engaged without being overwhelming or too fast-paced; In a noisy online world, her calm, engaging presence stands out and offers a sense of safety and learning for young kids,' says Dr. Hafeez. Indeed, the bright visuals and friendly tone create a safe, positive space for little ones, and many parents and speech therapists recommend her videos because they blend fun with valuable learning. Still, there are some cons to tuning in. Well, just one, actually: screen time. Although Ms. Rachel's videos are gentler than much of the overstimulating content around, it's still important to keep in mind screen time guidelines. According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, children under the age of 18 months should have no screen time whatsoever, aside from brief video calls with family members; children between the ages of 18 and 24 months should only watch education content (like Ms. Rachel's) in the company of a caregiver, and ideally for no longer than 20 to 30 minutes; finally, kids between the ages of 2 and 5 should have no more than one hour of non-educational screen time on weekdays and three hours maximum on the weekend. Of course, Ms. Rachel's content is educational, so you could make a case for bending the rules a little for kids two and older, but the really young ones definitely don't benefit from binge-watching anything, not even when valuable learning is involved. Bottom line: Ms. Rachel is good for kids, but as with most good things, moderation is key. How to Get the Most Out of Ms. Rachel Videos1. Watch With Your Child As previously mentioned, it is recommended that toddlers under the age of two only enjoy their (limited) screen time in the presence of a caregiver. Dr. Hafeez says that this is true across the board if you want to really get the most out of Ms. Rachel's educational content. 'It's much better for parents to watch with their kids rather than just leaving them to watch alone, because they can sing along and repeat the words to help their child practice,' she explains. 2. Pause and Ask Questions You're watching along, but don't stop there. To really maximize the benefits of the viewing experience for your child Dr. Hafeez recommends occasionally pausing the video to ask your child questions about what's happening. This ensures they are really engaging with the content in a meaningful way and not just, you know, zonked. 3. Use the Songs and Words Throughout the Day Finally, the expert recommends that parents keep the learning going even when screen time is over: 'Parents can also use the songs and words from the videos in daily life, like during meals or playtime. Keeping screen time balanced with other activities is important. Most of all, making it fun together helps kids learn even more.' In other words, try to channel your own inner Ms. Rachel once that day's viewing window has closed. 10 Calming Kids Shows for When the Little Ones Are, Um, Overstimulated Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
06-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
If You're 'Type B,' You Might Do These 13 Things, Psychologists Say
If You're 'Type B,' You Might Do These 13 Things, Psychologists Say originally appeared on Parade. "Type A" individuals can take up a lot of oxygen for their drive, go-get-'em attitude and perpetual sense of urgency. However, psychologists want people who identify with a "Type B" personality to know they have value too. So, what's a Type B person like, exactly?"Someone who is relaxed, easygoing and comfortable moving at their own pace," explains Dr. Sanam Hafeez, Psy.D., a neuropsychologist and director of Comprehend the familiar? These habits and tendencies might as well. After all, Type B individuals often do these 13 things, according to "These individuals are not driven by a constant need to compete or prove themselves, and they don't tend to feel defined by deadlines or high-pressure goals," Dr. Hafeez tells doesn't mean a Type B person is lazy or reserved, but they're motivated by something different than many of their Type A counterparts.'Their drive comes from personal fulfillment rather than outside validation," Dr. Hafeez says. "Type B personalities are more apt to deal with stress in a calm and steady manner, both in the workplace and in their personal value process over pressure and tend to find joy in connection, creativity and meaningful experiences."Related: Type As frequently act like they're on a deadline (often a self-imposed one) and have their eyes on the clock. Type Bs? Not so much."Type Bs are more inclined to go where the wind blows them instead of obsessing about a schedule or timeline," points out Dr. Hannah Yang, Psy.D., a licensed clinical psychologist and visionary behind Balanced Awakening, P.C. "They are more likely to follow a desire or an intuitive hunch and allow themselves to respond to that. They are also less likely to put pressure on themselves to get certain things done by a certain time." Since Type Bs aren't always on a timeline, they're more inclined to notice life's micro-joys, like fresh-cut Knee-jerk decisions aren't a Type B person's jam. "Type Bs typically weigh their options instead of jumping to conclusions or rushing toward closure," explains Dr. Thomas McDonagh, Psy.D., a clinical psychologist and owner of Good Therapy San Francisco. "There tends to be more comfort with uncertainty. The goal is to make thoughtful choices, even if it means not responding right away."However, don't mistake "intentional decision-making" for a lack of confidence."Type an innate confidence that everything will turn out the way it should," Dr. Hafeez says. Type Bs crave opportunities to use the right sides of their brains."If they aren't already working in a creative field, they are more likely to make time for creative hobbies and endeavors," Dr. Yang says. "Passion projects and things that simply feel way [Type Bs] move throughout the day will reflect more space for creativity in any form." Type Bs haven't conformed to the idea of "instant messaging," even if they, too, have text messaging capabilities plus platforms like Slack, Teams and WhatsApp on their phones."Type Bs may receive a text message or an email and just naturally give it space before responding," Dr. Yang explains. "They may wait until their schedule is clear or they have the headspace to write a thoughtful response."She adds that Type Bs aren't avoiding a response or trying to be mean—it's quite the opposite."They just don't have a sense of urgency and prefer to respond when the timing is best for them and for the best response," Dr. Yang Type Bs more relaxed approach to life also seeps into their approach to work."Type Bs may understand that success is found in other areas besides work and checking off their to-do list," reports Dr. Melanie English, Ph.D., MSW, a licensed clinical psychologist. "They may not feel tethered to the idea that success means demonstrating long hours at the office. Because of that, they're comfortable leaving at the end of the day and feeling good about what was accomplished versus what wasn't accomplished." Your schedule has white space, and the margin brings pure peace."Type Bs are discerning about becoming over-scheduled or committing to too many activities, events and people," Dr. Yang says. "Type Bs are more likely to prioritize space in their schedule for spontaneity. They may turn down an invitation if they sense it could leave them feeling overbooked and without as much creative time as they'd like."Related: Many of your invites may be of the vacation variety. Friends and family love Type Bs as the ultimate travel buddies."Travel can be the epitome of de-railed plans, unexpected obstacles and day-to-day events out of your control," Dr. English says. "Type Bs can adapt easily, view situations positively and look at the greater good."These traits make you the type of person people want to hang with on a turbulent (or canceled) flight. Type B individuals don't have an agenda from the moment they say "hello.""Type Bs are more likely to value casual connections—saying hello to a neighbor, talking to a friend at a coffee shop just to talk—as opposed to connecting to network or build connection as part of a larger plan or idea," Dr. Yang says. "Slow, meaningful conversations are allowed to deliciously unfold without a sense of urgency." Without a running to-do list or need to take charge, Type Bs genuinely hear what a person says, making them ideal confidants. "With a less reactive temperament, Type B's traits make it easier to listen to others without feeling the need to fix, control or interrupt," Dr. McDonagh You may not like games where only one person or team can win."Type Bs often focus on personal growth or collaboration," Dr. McDonagh reveals. "They are likely to be more motivated by personal achievement as opposed to 'besting' others." Chalk this one up to a strong preference for collaboration over competition."Whether in the workplace or in friendships, Type Bs genuinely want to see others do well," Dr. Hafeez says. "They don't view someone else's win as their loss, which reflects a deep sense of security in who they are and what they bring to the table." Type Bs have mastered the art of forgiveness."Forgiveness comes easier to them, not out of naivety, but because they prefer harmony over ongoing conflict," Dr. Hafeez reports. "They're less likely to stew or seek revenge and more likely to let things go in favor of peace and emotional clarity."Related: Type Bs aren't "less than" because their personality letter comes second in the alphabet. Dr. Yang encourages Type B individuals to work with themselves rather than trying to fit into a Type A box."If you've identified that you're a Type B, explore what specifically that means to you and how you can celebrate and embrace your innate preferences," Dr. Yang says. "If you know you enjoy life the best when you're not rushing, see if you can intentionally plan for a leisurely commute. Build your schedule out in a way that supports you." Type Bs are creatives and not bound to timelines. Still, benchmarks have value."Type Bs have great ideas and naturally gifted creativity, but without an intended target, they tend to meander," Dr. Hafeez shares. "Setting a deadline provides a destination while still allowing them to work at their own pace, preventing it from feeling oppressive." "Margin" isn't a dirty word to you—it's more of a love language. Ensure your schedule speaks to that."You're going to do your best at work or with other responsibilities when you have the time you need to do whatever you want—unstructured, unplanned," Dr. Yang says. "You already know or have a sense that you can get more done on your to-do list when you have enough leisure time wrapped around it."She explains that prioritizing free time is especially important during periods when you are under a deadline at work or in your personal life. Ensure you have space to refill your cup when you have to step outside of your comfort zone, which can be You're known for being calm, cool and collected, but that doesn't mean everyone gets to bulldoze your needs."It might also be easy to forget that you do actually have some preferences and a voice that can express those preferences," Dr. Yang points out. "Notice if your autopilot is 'I don't care, it's up to you' and override that sometimes."She suggests taking a beat to ask yourself, "How do I feel right now?" and "What would I like in this moment?" Then, practice sharing your answers with family and Type Bs often gravitate toward calm, familiar situations. However, Dr. Hafeez notes that growth usually requires discomfort. "Whether it's saying yes to a leadership role or signing up for something they've been quietly curious about, stepping outside that comfort zone, even occasionally, can bring out strengths they didn't know they had without sacrificing their natural steadiness," Dr. Hafeez says. Up Next:Dr. Sanam Hafeez, Psy.D., a neuropsychologist and director of Comprehend the Mind Dr. Hannah Yang, Psy.D., a licensed clinical psychologist and visionary behind Balanced Awakening, P.C. Dr. Thomas McDonagh, Psy.D., a clinical psychologist and owner of Good Therapy San Francisco Dr. Melanie English, Ph.D., MSW, a licensed clinical psychologist If You're 'Type B,' You Might Do These 13 Things, Psychologists Say first appeared on Parade on Jul 6, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 6, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
How to Establish a Bedtime Routine for Toddlers (And Why You Really Should), According to a Neuropsychologist
Parents live and die by bedtime (or at least that's how it feels, right?), but getting a toddler on board with the idea can be a real challenge. That said, toddlers—like most of us—are creatures of habit who benefit from a predictable routine. As such, a solid bedtime routine for toddlers can do a lot to minimize the nighttime struggle and ensure that everyone gets the quality rest they need. I interviewed a neuropsychologist (and mom-of-two) to learn more about why bedtime routines for toddlers are so important and how parents can effectively implement one. Read on for the full scoop. What Time Do Kids *Really* Go to Bed? We Surveyed 70 Parents to Get to the Cold, Bleary-Eyed Truth Dr. Sanam Hafeez is a New York City-based neuropsychologist and director of Comprehend the Mind, a psychological practice that treats learning disorders, anxiety, depression and other psychopathological disorders. Dr. Hafeez obtained her Doctor of Psychology at Hofstra University and completed her post-doctoral training in neuropsychology and developmental pediatrics at Coney Island can be difficult to establish, especially since parenting has a tendency to feel, well, inherently chaotic. Still, bedtime routines for toddlers have significant benefits, so establishing one that you can stick with will be well worth the effort. For starters, 'a bedtime routine provides toddlers with a sense of stability and comfort, making the transition to sleep much smoother,' explains Dr. Hafeez, adding that, 'when the same calming steps happen night after night, children start to associate those moments with winding down, which helps their brains recognize when it's time to relax.' And that's just one way that a bedtime routine for toddlers can make your life easier; there are long-term benefits, too. Per the expert, 'this kind of consistency doesn't just support falling asleep more easily, it also contributes to better-quality rest, which is essential for healthy brain development, mood regulation, and immune function during these critical early years,' explains Dr. Hafeez. In other words, a routine doesn't just relieve the bedtime blues, it sets your child (and you) up for success across the board. SolStock/Getty Images I hinted at this earlier, but one of the hardest parts about routines and child-rearing is simply getting started. Fortunately, Dr. Hafeez shared a sample routine that has the soothing effect you're aiming for. You can read her advice below and use it as a template that can be tailored to your child's temperament and your own scheduling needs. 'After dinner, give your child a warm bath to help relax their body and signal that the day is coming to a close. Once they're in their pajamas, dim the lights and shift the mood to quiet. Head to their room and let them choose one book to read together. After the story, take a moment to talk softly about their day or sing a familiar lullaby. Tuck them in with their favorite stuffed animal or blanket, offer a goodnight kiss, and let them know you're nearby. This type of routine creates a rhythm that toddlers find both soothing and predictable.' Personally, I can attest to the importance of dimming lights and setting a bedtime mood. It's something I started when my two kids were toddlers and continues to this day, though it has evolved with our routine. (As my kids got older and evening baths were replaced by afternoon showers, I shifted the routine to turning off overhead lights, lighting scented candles and playing gentle music while cuddling on the couch.) d3sign/Getty Images It's best to start your routine at roughly the same time every night if possible because, as Dr. Hafeez explains, 'a steady rhythm helps set the body's internal clock, making it easier for toddlers to feel naturally sleepy.' Gradually set the scene and create a relaxing environment by lowering the lights and removing distractions, like noisy toys, etc. Per the expert, doing this will help your child's nervous system settle. Speaking of allowing your child's nervous system to settle, Dr. Hafeez also emphasizes the importance of eliminating screen time from a bedtime routine—namely because light from a screen 'interferes with the brain's natural sleep signals.' (Bonus points if you can follow this rule yourself.) Cuddling, reading and a quiet, conversational review of your child's day are all expert-approved ways of setting the right tone for bedtime. If needed, offer your toddler a light snack, but steer clear of sugar. This snack can be enjoyed during those aforementioned quiet moments of cuddling and reading. (I don't know if it strictly abides by the 'steer clear of sugar' rule, but I had great success giving my toddlers a 'bedtime banana' every night. It filled them up and the natural sugar in the fruit didn't seem to cause any disruption to our routine.) Brushing teeth with toddlers can be a battle, but it's important nevertheless. Indeed, Dr. Hafeez reminds that 'brushing teeth should always be part of the routine, as it builds good habits early on.' Even if your toddler is still wearing pull-ups over night, it's a good habit to empty the bladder before bed—and one that will ensure your child's comfort. The expert points out (and everyone agrees) that overnight accidents, whether it's in a pull-up or right on the bedding, are a recipe for night wakings that interrupt their rest. Jun/Getty Images Bedtime power struggles and soothing routines are completely at odds, so the expert advises that you do your best to avoid the former, adding that 'if your child resists, it's more effective to stay calm and address their needs than to force things.' Pro tip: leave excessively complicated or elaborate rituals out of the equation. 'Routines should be simple and consistent, not overly detailed or drawn out, which can lead to overstimulation,' says Dr. Hafeez. For much the same reason, the expert also cautions against overwhelming your child with choice during this period (i.e., provide a choice between two bedtime books, but don't let them browse the whole library). In other words, keep it simple, stupid! If you stick to the recommendation of having a regular time when your bedtime routine takes place, this shouldn't be such a problem. However, the expert emphasizes that it's never helpful to use bedtime as a consequence when evening shenanigans have gotten out of hand—namely because bedtime 'should feel like a peaceful, safe time of day' and you don't want to interfere with the feeling of consistency you're trying to create. Closely related to the last 'don't' and kind of a no-brainer, but the expert does indeed confirm that threats—like, if you don't go to bed right now, we aren't going to the playground in the morning—are not a good idea. In fact, 'they create anxiety and make things worse.' You might be practicing attachment parenting, or perhaps just flying by the seat of your pants and doing whatever you have to do to get a little shut-eye. Still, Dr. Hafeez notes that it's important to set boundaries early—particularly if you don't want your child sleeping in your bed longterm. Here, the 'don't' is quite simply the opposite of the 'do.' Dimming the lights at bedtime sets a soothing, sleepy-time tone; whereas, bright overhead lights (and screens!) tend to keep toddlers stimulated and that makes it harder for their brains to shift into sleep mode. Everything You Need to Know About Toddlers and Sleep (Including Why They Just Won't Freakin' Do It Already)
Yahoo
19-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
What Is Attachment Parenting? An Expert Explains the Principles, and the Pros and Cons
Maybe you have a bun in the oven and are doing your research on all things parenting before baby arrives. Or perhaps you're testing the waters with different parenting styles in real time. Or maybe you're just curious about the choices your sister-in-law is making—co-sleeping? Breastfeeding well past a year? Either way, you might have heard of an approach called attachment parenting. So, what is attachment parenting, exactly? I spoke to a mental health expert to learn more on the benefits and disadvantages of this super responsive parenting style, and here's what I learned. Dr. Sanam Hafeez is a New York City-based neuropsychologist and director of Comprehend the Mind, a psychological practice that treats learning disorders, anxiety, depression and other psychopathological disorders. Dr. Hafeez obtained her Doctor of Psychology at Hofstra University and completed her post-doctoral training in neuropsychology and developmental pediatrics at Coney Island Hospital. Dr. Hafeez tells me that attachment parenting is a method of raising children that emphasizes building a close, trusting relationship: 'It encourages parents to be physically close and emotionally available, especially when the child is very young. Parents who follow this approach often breastfeed, carry their babies in slings, and sleep near them at night. The idea is that when a child feels safe and understood, they grow up more secure and confident.' That said, the expert also wants parents to know that this approach isn't about abiding by strict rules; instead, it encourages parents to listen to their gut and respond to their child's needs. (For example, a parent might choose to hold their baby during naps instead of putting them in a crib, so the baby feels more connected.) Attachment parenting also isn't right for every parent: 'Some people find it highly rewarding, while others find it exhausting,' says Dr. you're interested in practicing the attachment parenting style, the first principle encourages you to get a head start. This principle suggests that parents should 'learn about childbirth and early parenting, make informed choices, and reflect on their own childhoods to break unhealthy cycles,' says Dr. Hafeez. 'This principle focuses on breastfeeding when possible, but more broadly it means being emotionally present and responsive during feeding,' says Dr. Hafeez. In other words, you can still practice attachment parenting even if you are unable or choose not to breastfeed; the most important part is that you keep in mind that feeding time should 'provide emotional connection, not just nutrition.' Per the expert, parents are encouraged to notice and respond quickly and compassionately to their child's cues—namely because this helps the child feel understood, safe, and valued. Per the expert, attachment parenting credo emphasizes physical closeness like holding, cuddling, and baby-wearing—namely because 'gentle touch promotes bonding and can soothe stress for both parent and child.' Thinking about trying a CIO sleep-training method to get your baby to sleep through the night? Well, according to the principles of attachment parenting, that's a no-no. 'Babies should sleep in a safe environment that allows them to feel secure, which is why co-sleeping or room-sharing is often recommended to maintain emotional connection while prioritizing physical safety,' says Dr. Hafeez. That said, it's worth noting that the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends room-sharing rather co-sleeping (i.e., bed-sharing), due to the increased risk of SIDS during the first six months. 'Children thrive on predictable, attentive care from loving caregivers. When possible, attachment parenting encourages minimizing long separations and choosing caregivers who are warm and responsive,' says Dr. Hafeez. But what constitutes a long separation, you ask? Attachment Parenting International (API) points to research that shows kids under the age of 30 months experience stress when left in daycare situations for more than 20 hours per week. As such API recommends that working caregivers find an at-home childcare alternative, either with another parent or a private caregiver, and that an effort is made to maintain consistency in the arrangement so that the child can form secure attachments with the person providing care while you're away. (i.e., try not to swap nannies all the time). Attachment parenting promotes positive discipline because it has been proven to be more effective than other methods, such as fear-based approaches (i.e., threats) and physical discipline. Dr. Hafeez explains: 'instead of punishment, this approach promotes teaching and guiding with empathy and respect. The goal is to help children understand boundaries and learn self-control through connection, not fear.' What this looks like depends on the situation, but generally attachment parenting encourages kids to learn from natural consequences and practice peaceful conflict resolution skills when problems arise. This means, as it sounds, that you should aim to achieve a healthy balance between your personal well-being and your family responsibilities. 'It is essential to be a responsive parent but you must also take care of yourself,' says Dr. Hafeez, adding that, 'parents must prioritize their emotional and physical self-care to ensure effective and sustainable parenting practices.' In other words, an attachment parenting style does not mean that you have to sacrifice all of your own needs; in fact, if you neglect yourself, both you and your child will suffer. CatherineThis highly attentive and nurturing parenting style involves modeling desirable social behaviors to children from a very young age. Indeed, the expert says that 'responsive parenting leads children to develop an awareness of others' emotions and greater empathy.' Basically, this approach means that your kid will be less likely to pull little Suzy's pigtails and more likely to comfort her if someone else does. Yep, the emphasis on co-sleeping or room-sharing does lead to improved sleep patterns. Don't get too excited, though, because the benefit is mostly for your baby: 'Though early co-sleeping can disrupt adult sleep, children often develop more secure and healthy sleep patterns over time because they learn to associate sleep with comfort and safety' explains Dr. Hafeez. While you might think this parenting approach would result in a kid who remains attached to you at the hip for far longer than you'd like, apparently this isn't necessarily the case. 'Ironically, the intense dependence in early years fosters greater independence later on,' says Dr. Hafeez—namely because 'children who feel secure are more willing to explore their environment and try new things without fear.' FatCamera/Getty Images Attachment parenting certainly has its pros, but it's not exactly easy to practice. Indeed, the expert notes that one of the most significant disadvantages of this parenting approach is that you can get really burnt out trying to maintain it. 'The constant physical and emotional availability required can be exhausting, especially for primary caregivers. Without adequate rest or personal time, parents may experience stress, resentment, or fatigue.' As such, if you decide to adopt an attachment parenting style, you'd be wise to remember the eighth principle (which, in my opinion, should be the first). Attachment parenting really demands that a tremendous amount of attention be paid to the child at all times and, as a result, other relationships might fall by the wayside. The job of attachment parenting might be a labor of love, but it doesn't always feel that way between spouses. 'When one parent is always attending to the child, romantic and emotional intimacy between partners can suffer, which may create tension or disconnect in the relationship,' notes Dr. Hafeez. The expert also points out that certain aspects of attachment parenting, such as extended breastfeeding and bed-sharing, might be misunderstood and criticized by others. For what it's worth, I didn't practice attachment parenting in its purest form with my kids (they were both sleep trained) but I did breastfeed them both for over two years and there were definitely people in my orbit who found that weird. Bottom line: if you go the full-blown attachment parenting route, you can probably expect at least one member of your extended family to scoff at you a little. Pros and cons aside, the expert points out that this parenting style simply might not be doable for everyone. 'Single parents, working parents, or those without strong support systems may find the demands of attachment parenting unrealistic,' explains Dr. Hafeez, adding that 'the time and energy required can be a significant barrier.' If you're interested in attachment parenting and have an arrangement that's conducive to it, then, by all means, give it a shot. In order to decide whether or not it's right for you, you should first consider the unique needs and limitations of your family. And keep in mind that if it feels like too big a burden for you to adhere to completely, there's no harm in borrowing any and all of the ideas you can realistically apply and leaving the rest behind. From my experience, there's no perfect parenting dogma you can find.
