I subscribe to an email listserve of moms in Savannah who are basically like-minded in parenting practices. Even though we've moved away, I appreciate the discussions generated. Recently, the following article appeared in our discussions:
http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2010-10-11/hunter-gatherer-parents-better-than-todays-moms-and-dads/
It's made me jokingly refer to my parenting style as Primordial Parenting. Perhaps I could refer to it as "Survival Parenting" since our ancestors were really just doing their darndest to survive.
I really liked this article, not only because I identified with the parenting style, but because I truly enjoy the irony. There is this enormous industry devoted to teaching you how to raise your child. Books, gadgets, toys and the like all designed to raise better children through science. Turns out, though, based on the latest attachment studies, returning to the most basic styles of parenting might be the best choice for our children.
Finley is currently sleeping on my chest in a baby carrier. He's close, he's safe, and he's happy. And when he's happy, I'm happy. When he's content, I can run around the house cleaning, or chasing Gavin, or throw together some lunch.
So here's to gettin' back to our roots.
