Attachment Parenting (AP) is a philosophy based in the practice of nurturing parenting practices that create strong emotional bonds, also known as secure attachment, between the infant and parent(s). This style of parenting encourages responsiveness to the infant or child's emotional needs, and develops trust that their emotional needs will be met. As a result, this strong attachment helps the child develop secure, empathic, peaceful, and enduring relationships.

Attachment Parenting International (API) is an organization that networks with parents, professionals and like-minded organizations around the world. In addition to providing assistance in forming Attachment Parenting support groups, API provides educational materials, research information, consultative, referral and speaker services to promote Attachment Parenting concepts.

The Central Austin Chapter offers a supportive environment for the discussion of attachment parenting issues where parents are encouraged to freely attend to the needs of their child during meetings. We believe attachment parenting behaviors facilitate secure attachment. These behaviors include education for prepared childbirth and child development, breastfeeding as the ideal food for optimum nutrition and for comfort, responding sensitively to baby's cues, and keeping baby physically close.

Meeting Information: Unless otherwise noted, meetings are held the second Tuesday of every month at 10:15 at the Yarborough Branch Library - 2200 Hancock Drive. Please visit our upcoming topics page for a detailed schedule. We welcome all parents, children, and other interested friends or family members. Although our meeting room is in a library, snacks are permitted. Business transactions of any kind are not permitted, however.

For further information about the group, please contact the Group Leaders: Monica or Marianne