Attachment parenting, commonly referred to as AP, is a form of parenting whose aim is to maximize the bond between the infant and the parent through physical touch by either feeding or sharing a bed with the infant. On the other hand, we can sum up general parenting in empathy, understanding, and respect. The relationship between the parent and the infant is based on the three terms. While the two forms of parenting can be confused easily, they have significant differences, as stated below:

 

Gentle parenting focuses on teaching children that it is okay to make mistakes, and as a result, the parents do not punish the children. Any error is a learning opportunity for the child. Attachment parenting, on the other hand, children are punished for any wrongdoing. The punishment does not cause harm to the children but corrects and disciplines them.

 

Parents who settle on gentle parenting recognize that it is essential to take care of themselves by taking some time out and getting assistance to raise the child. The space they get by being away from the child aims to make them better parents. On the other hand, parents who settle on attachment parenting have a hard time separating their feelings from those of the child. They choose to be fully present with no assistance without realizing its impact on their mental and physical health.

 

Parents who practice attachment parenting tend to reward their children for good behavior. For instance, when a child is given a chore and follows through with the given instructions, the parents reward them with sweets or toys. With gentle parenting, though, children are not rewarded for any reason, the parent’s term rewards as unnecessary and superficial.

 

For gentle parenting, parents acknowledge that the child has an immature but growing brain. As a result, behavioral expectations are lowered. They understand that children will react in childish ways, and it is okay. Parents that believe in attachment parenting view children as little adults. They expect the children to reason and behave as they do. In attachment parenting, children are expected to have the same social mannerisms as parents.

 

Both forms of parenting are socially acceptable. Back in the day, what parents said was considered law, and the children were expected to follow instructions given to the latter. In the modern-day, however, children question authority, and society is slowly learning to embrace this new generation and new forms of parenting. Times change, and we evolve.