Kourtney Kardashian, renowned reality television star and entrepreneur, has recently opened up about her unique approach to parenting her youngest child, Rocky Thirteen Barker, whom she shares with husband Travis Barker. Embracing attachment parenting, Kourtney has chosen to hold Rocky throughout his entire nap times, which can last between three to five hours. This method, she believes, fosters a secure emotional bond between mother and child.
In a candid conversation on her sister Khloé Kardashian’s podcast, “Khloé in Wonderland,” Kourtney detailed her naptime routine with Rocky. She described sitting in a designated chair in Rocky’s room, using a breastfeeding pillow for support, and covering herself with a radiation blanket to shield against electromagnetic fields from phone use. “With attachment-style parenting, I hold him for his naps the whole time,” she explained. “He’s 23 pounds.”
Kourtney emphasized the importance of minimizing separation during the early years of a child’s life. “I think it’s really not separating for as much as possible in the first definitely three years,” she noted. “It really helps nurture their attachment—secure attachment.”
This approach is not entirely new for Kourtney. She recalled implementing similar practices with her daughter Penelope, though she acknowledges that each child and experience is unique. “It’s kind of just what my instincts—I lean towards,” she said. “It’s what they tell me to do, I feel like. Just my motherly instincts. Mother knows best.”
In addition to holding Rocky during naps, Kourtney and Travis have chosen to share a room with him, a practice known as co-sleeping. This decision, while unconventional to some, aligns with Kourtney’s desire to remain close to her child. “I wouldn’t be able to sleep if my baby was in another room by himself in a crib,” she admitted.
Kourtney’s mother, Kris Jenner, has expressed differing views on co-sleeping, reflecting generational differences in parenting styles. Kris recalled a more structured approach during her parenting years, emphasizing schedules and designated meal times. “We didn’t co-sleep in the ’80s, no, we didn’t,” she stated. “We had structure. We had schedules. We had meal times. We put our kids to bed at 7 o’clock.”
Despite these differences, Kourtney remains steadfast in her parenting choices, guided by her instincts and the desire to foster a deep connection with her child. She also applies this instinctual approach to other aspects of parenting, such as managing her children’s health. Rather than immediately resorting to medication, Kourtney prefers to “nurse the fever” of her kids, allowing their bodies to heal naturally. “I think living authentically is not conforming to whatever it is,” she explained. “I will like nurse the fever of my kids versus giving Tylenol or ibuprofen.”
Kourtney’s commitment to attachment parenting extends beyond infancy. She believes that maintaining close physical and emotional proximity during the early years lays the foundation for a secure and confident child. This philosophy influences her daily routines and interactions, ensuring that her children feel supported and connected.
In embracing these practices, Kourtney acknowledges the challenges and sacrifices involved. Holding a 23-pound child for extended periods requires physical endurance and dedication. Yet, for Kourtney, the benefits of nurturing a strong mother-child bond outweigh the difficulties.
Kourtney’s approach to parenting, characterized by intuition, closeness, and non-conformity, offers a glimpse into her values and priorities as a mother. By sharing her experiences, she contributes to the broader conversation about parenting styles and the diverse ways families nurture their children.
As Kourtney continues to navigate motherhood, her choices reflect a deep commitment to her children’s well-being and emotional security. Her practices, while personal, resonate with many parents seeking to foster strong, loving relationships with their children.
