Debbie Treijs
I am Debbie Treijs, and I am 37 years old, and married to Todd. We have
three children: Keir (8), Teryn (6) and Jared (4).
Todd and I are unschoolers, which basically means that our children direct
their own learning. Homeschooling for us was really just continuation of
our philosophy of Attachment Parenting. Once the ball started rolling,
Attachment Parenting grew upon us with a snowball effect.
Our introduction to Attachment Parenting occurred when I attended my first
La Leche League meeting. Todd is still bitter about it because the leader
was not comfortable having him at the meeting, so he had to sit out in the
car and wait! However, the meeting was a real eye-opener for me. There were
nursing mothers everywhere!! I could not help but stare at a mother who
was nursing her 3 1/2 year old! I was shocked! But the seed was planted.
Next, I bought The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding, and we were on our way.
Then we happened upon one of the most important books I have ever read:
The Continuum Concept by Jean Liedloff. These two books changed our belief
system about raising a family.
A very lucky turn for us was the chance to live in Japan for five years.
It was wonderful to live in a society that strongly supports children and
families. Family beds, breastfeeding and mothers staying at home with their
children are normal and accepted as the way to raise your children.
We certainly had a good start. Keir was a month old when we went to Japan
(he was born by caesarean section) and Teryn and Jared were born there
(Teryn by caesarean section and Jared without intervention at home). After
returning from Japan, we moved to Cincinnati, Ohio for a couple of years,
and then we moved to Calgary, Alberta.
We made some great friends during our travels, and I hated saying goodbye,
but I am also happy to be home and close to the Rockies. I am a
stay-at-home mom and love what I do!
Go back to The
Whole Family Attachment Parenting Association
