Kourtney Kardashian-Barker, the well-known reality TV star, businesswoman, and mother, has long been open about her unique approach to parenting. Known for her calm demeanor and strong opinions on holistic lifestyles, Kourtney has often shared aspects of her journey as a mom, including her decision to co-sleep with her children. While co-sleeping is a common practice in many cultures, it can still be controversial in Western parenting discussions, especially when it extends into a child’s older years. Kourtney’s choice to co-sleep with her children until the age of 11 has sparked much interest and even debate among parents and fans alike. Here, we’ll delve into why she made this choice, what experts say about co-sleeping, and the potential benefits and drawbacks.
Kourtney has always been an advocate for attachment parenting, a style focused on nurturing strong emotional bonds between parents and children. This parenting philosophy emphasizes empathy, responsiveness, and close physical contact, all of which align with the practice of co-sleeping. Kourtney has described her parenting style as one that prioritizes her children’s emotional well-being and focuses on creating a sense of security for them. For Kourtney, co-sleeping was less about following trends and more about creating an environment where her children felt safe, loved, and emotionally connected to her. By co-sleeping with her kids, Kourtney felt that she could foster a closer relationship with them and provide them with a greater sense of comfort and stability.
When it comes to family values, Kourtney Kardashian-Barker’s approach is grounded in the idea that physical closeness nurtures emotional closeness. In several interviews, Kourtney has mentioned that having her children sleep in her bed allowed her to offer comfort and security, especially during times when they were feeling vulnerable or going through changes. She has stated that, for her, there was a certain beauty in knowing her children felt comfortable and safe by her side, whether they were babies or approaching their teenage years. In a world where children are often encouraged to be independent at an early age, Kourtney’s perspective offers a refreshing reminder of the importance of emotional connection and physical closeness.
One reason why Kourtney chose to extend co-sleeping into her children’s pre-teen years was due to the quality time it allowed her to share with them. As a working mother and public figure with a busy schedule, Kourtney saw bedtime as an opportunity for undivided attention and bonding. Those evening hours provided moments to talk about their day, share stories, and have heart-to-heart conversations, fostering a bond that might have been harder to maintain otherwise. For Kourtney, these intimate moments allowed her children to express their feelings, fears, and thoughts freely. This level of openness and communication was, to her, an invaluable part of parenting.
While Kourtney’s decision might seem unconventional to some, it’s important to understand that co-sleeping is a well-established practice in various cultures around the world. In many Eastern cultures, for example, co-sleeping is the norm, and it’s seen as a way to strengthen family bonds. Studies show that co-sleeping can indeed help develop secure attachments in children, and some psychologists believe that children who feel emotionally supported early on may grow up to be more independent and emotionally resilient. By allowing her children to co-sleep with her until they were ready to sleep on their own, Kourtney essentially created a foundation of trust and security that could benefit them in the long run.
Despite the potential benefits, co-sleeping can be controversial, particularly in Western societies where independence is often emphasized as a key aspect of child development. Critics of co-sleeping argue that it may foster dependency or hinder a child’s ability to self-soothe. Some also raise concerns about the impact on a parent’s personal space and overall relationship dynamics within the family. For Kourtney, however, the benefits outweighed these concerns. She believed that fostering a sense of security and closeness with her children was paramount, and she didn’t view co-sleeping as a hindrance to their development. In fact, she found that when her children were ready to sleep on their own, they transitioned smoothly, demonstrating a strong sense of independence and confidence.
From a psychological perspective, co-sleeping is often seen as a part of attachment theory. This theory, developed by psychologist John Bowlby, suggests that children are biologically predisposed to form attachments with their caregivers as a means of survival. The physical closeness that comes from co-sleeping can strengthen these attachments, leading to children who feel safe, secure, and understood. Attachment parenting advocates argue that by responding to a child’s emotional needs in this way, parents are fostering a secure attachment that will serve their child well throughout life. Kourtney’s choice to co-sleep aligns with this theory, as she placed emphasis on creating a secure emotional foundation for her children through physical closeness.
Beyond attachment theory, there are practical aspects of co-sleeping that appealed to Kourtney. Co-sleeping can make it easier for parents to attend to their children’s needs during the night, particularly when they are young and require frequent care. It can also make sleep training simpler, as children often sleep more soundly when they are close to their caregivers. For Kourtney, who had to juggle her demanding career with motherhood, co-sleeping was a way to maintain her children’s well-being while managing her responsibilities. In her eyes, it was a solution that allowed her to be there for her kids even on the busiest of days.
Of course, co-sleeping isn’t the right choice for every family, and it’s essential to consider both the child’s and parents’ comfort levels and needs. Some parents may find co-sleeping challenging, particularly if it impacts their own sleep quality or relationship dynamics. Safety is also a concern for many parents, especially with infants, as co-sleeping has been linked to risks like sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Experts recommend that if families choose to co-sleep, they should follow safe co-sleeping practices, such as using a firm mattress, avoiding soft bedding, and placing infants on their backs.
Kourtney Kardashian-Barker’s experience with co-sleeping highlights the importance of finding a parenting style that aligns with personal values and family needs. Her approach may not resonate with everyone, but it underscores the value of making parenting choices that prioritize a child’s emotional well-being. Kourtney’s openness about her parenting journey, including co-sleeping, has allowed other parents to explore alternative perspectives and question societal norms around child-rearing. By sharing her experience, Kourtney has encouraged a broader conversation on the many ways to foster close, supportive, and nurturing relationships with children.
In conclusion, Kourtney Kardashian-Barker’s decision to co-sleep with her children until the age of 11 reflects her commitment to attachment parenting, focusing on emotional security and closeness. While some may view her choice as unconventional, it is a reminder that parenting is a deeply personal journey, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. The benefits of co-sleeping, including stronger family bonds, improved communication, and a greater sense of security for children, were priorities for Kourtney. For families considering co-sleeping, her experience serves as an example of how parenting choices can be tailored to fit unique family dynamics and values. Ultimately, Kourtney’s story reinforces the importance of embracing a parenting style that aligns with one’s beliefs, providing children with a loving and secure foundation as they grow.
