Somehow this holiday season seems busier than ever even as we have limited our activities. To capture a special time for our children has probably meant for you, like many of us, creating new traditions that work to sustain connection while we mentally let go of rhythm and predictability that provided some ease for our creativity.
We know firsthand that parents and professionals questions and needs have not slowed down, and in fact, navigating the holidays with children seems to increase them. It's our joy to support daily requests as we also work globally. Feedback like the quote in this enews blast keeps us close and encourages us.
Here are just a few of the needs we responded to in December, among our holiday and end of year responsibilities:
- Helping new local group leaders interested in training
- Responding to parents for help to access API's free resources and to learn more about positive childhood experiences
- Providing a parent information on AP and indigenous parenting practices
- Arranging guest speaking at local parenting meetings
- Answering leader questions
- Adding new professionals requesting listings
- Helping parents find a local support groups
- Following up on volunteer inquiries
- Responding to article publication requests
- Fulfilling requests for infant sleep brochures and information
- Providing resources on custody and overnights
We also worked this month on:
- Planning 2021 Attached at the Heart Parenting Education Training in Europe
- Setting up our newly certified parenting educators with support
- Updating research throughout the API website
- Working and preparing for a new website launch
- Adding to our leader meeting materials
- Debuting our first new online parenting education class platform, and new data instrument
- Honing our abilities in new technology
- Sharing on social media
- Publishing our API Live podcast with Dr. Christina Bethell, via YouTube and APtly Said
- Signing on to the Trauma-informed agenda for the first 100 days
- Publishing an extended interview with Becky Haas on trauma-informed care
- Cohosting a babywearing training event with the Center for Babywearing Studies
For a glimpse of what this looks like all year, check out our Annual Update.
We share this information in case it may inspire a resource for your own concerns or interest, or perhaps even the notion to volunteer and get involved.
It bears repeating that we feel every day just how important connection, gentleness, compassion, and hugs are as we miss being near each other.
We hope you stay safe and well. Let us know what you would find helpful to you, or perhaps how you are balancing life so we can share and help others.
Happy New Year!
Peace,
Attachment Parenting International
