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How to be green with attachment parenting


question

I would be very interested to know if you had any tips on how to juggle essentially green living and attachment parenting - with all its additional Mummy work (BFing, slinging, co-sleeping, making foods for baby, cloth nappies, line drying etc) - with working?

I work from home, but at the same time I find that my home life encroaches on my work life because I always seem to have 'stuff' to do (hanging out washing, folding nappies, separating plastics from glass from paper, sifting through the junk mail etc), and of course my kids always want Mummy. Thankfully we have help in the form of our neighbour who is a childminder. The kids love her, but she's not Mummy, she doesn't lactate and she doesn't do our housework!

A more disposable detached parent might offload the kids more, stick the washing in the washer then the tumble drier, and microwave something from the freezer for tea - saving ages - but clearly the 'green', AP, breastfeeding mummy won't do this.

Any tips or coping mechanisms (other than 'learn to sleep less') gratefully received! -
- shel_bank



answer

What a great question - wish I had the answer - I'm IMPERFECT, remember. In truth, I am very lucky because I have a very 'hands-on' hubby who works from home and does easily as much as I do. My only tips really are trust your own instincts. I know when I'm not giving my kids enough time - it doesn't feel right. Also when they're young get a sling that you love - to keep your hands free. I can now cook meals, do some gardening, pretty much anything with the baby in a sling, they love it too - I'm sure you know that already if you're into AP. I also walk around the house with a baby on the boob while hoovering - SO imperfect not very relaxing but she doesn't seem to mind.

I wish you well - your life sounds fab. And remember, the stages pass so quickly and who cares about the housework and cooking. Plus when they're older you can let them join in of course!

Janey

Janey Lee Grace presents the Saturday Early Breakfast Show on BBC Radio 2 and is author of Imperfectly Natural Woman, which focuses on natural eco-friendly living
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