Family Bed

Hey Dads,
In my last post I mentioned attachment parenting, I believe that a small amount explanation is required. Attachment parenting is a method by which children are taught boundaries through empathy and understanding, not harsh punishment. While I have heard it said that attachment parenting is easy and a “soft” kind of parenting, nothing could be farther from the truth. There are many aspects that make this style of parenting very different, mainly because of the amount of self control required, and I think if done correctly it can much more rewarding. One aspect of attachment parenting that I enjoy greatly is family bed.
Family bed is exactly what it sounds like, the whole family, parents and children sleeping together in one bed. I have found that sleeping in bed with my children and wife is one of the most precious parts of my day. For example, last night when we went to bed, I sleep on the far right lying down, and wife sleeps on the far left and the two kids sleep in the middle. Ian was sleeping next to me, Noah next to my wife, Ian had his hand reached over and laid very gently on top of his brothers head, Noah had reached up and had grabbed hold of Ian sleeve with his hand. It was something new to see both boys reassuring themselves in their sleep that the other was there.
For me however family bed has become even more important. I am currently working two jobs, and because of this I don’t get to spend the kind of time with my boys that I would like too. Knowing that when I go to bed that I will be able to spend the whole night holding my children is very special. It makes being away from them just a little more bearable. In many ways it is one of the best parts of my day. Really knowing that for a least a few hours, I am going to be near my children makes family bed one of the best parts of my day.

A Fellow Father.