Parenting is a complex roller coaster of emotions at the best of times. I don’t think anything can compare you for the huge surges of love and anxiety that can occur in any one day.

That’s the thing about great love – there is so much at stake and the fear of “getting it wrong” is so strong. As a parent, we often strive to find a balance so that we can be happy while raising happy children at the very same time. The term “happy parent, happy child” has a lot of truth behind it.

Of course, all parents have the ability to feel happy, sad and everything in between. There is no secret recipe for perfect happiness when children come along. For many of us, it can feel like a real case of winging it and trying to find as much of the good stuff along the way.

It also really helps when our children are happy because it’s a really powerful reminder that we are doing a good job. Their smile is the sum of all of the tiny loving gestures we offer them daily.

Regardless of what kind of parenting style you opt for, happiness is always a good goal to work towards. If attachment parenting is intriguing you it might just help to understand some of the reasons why attachment parents are feeling content in their parenting journey.

Here are five reasons why attachment parents are happy parents

1. Sleep is extremely important when it comes to happiness. Without proper sleep and rest the days can seem darker and mundane activities can feel impossible. Attachment parents can benefit from better sleep by practising co-sleeping. If they are breastfeeding it means there are less reasons to get out of the bed during the night. Everything your baby needs is within an arms reach and this can make it a lot easier to rest and relax as you tend to your baby’s needs at the same time.

2. Attachment parents are confident in their decisions. They believe in the principles and love to share them with others. They are passionate about the choices they are making and are therefore less bothered by other people’s opinions and judgements.

3. Oxytocin is that lovely hormone that helps us to feel relaxed and happy. It is in ample supply when breastfeeding and is topped up by lots of skin to skin contact via co-sleeping and baby-wearing.

4. Kindness breeds happiness. Attachment parenting is steeped in kindness and the ability to respond sensitively and sympathetically to your children’s needs. In turn, you will react this way to the other people in your life as you notice how effective it is. It makes for positive relationships and less conflict.

5. Children who have experienced attachment parenting tend to be very affectionate. This makes for happy parents. An unexpected hug is an instant remedy for a day that’s filled with stress.

Tracey is a happy mammy to four-year-old Billy. She is a breastfeeder, gentle parent and has recently lost five stone so healthy family eating is her passion! You can find her at www.loveofliving.ie.