Gentle Christian Mothers 5617165 214905604 2008-05-25T20:57:15Z 142.167.126.22 /* External links */ '''Gentle Christian Mothers''' is an [[online community]] for [[Christian]] mothers who practice [[attachment parenting]] as popularized by Dr. [[William Sears (physician)|William Sears]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.attachmentparenting.org/faq/general.shtml#startap |title=API: FAQ - General Attachment Parenting |accessdate=2007-05-27 |publisher=Attachment Parenting International}}</ref> In 2006 Gentle Christian Mothers, or GCM, had hundreds of female members from around the world, mostly mothers but including some grandmothers and those who style themselves as "moms-to-be." [[Salon.com]] has called it a "support community for mothers."<ref>[http://www.salon.com/mwt/feature/2006/05/25/the_pearls/index3.html Spare the quarter-inch plumbing supply line, spoil the child | Salon Life<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> ==Early history== Gentle Christian Mothers began as a [[webring]] owned by Jeri Carr. [[Website]]s owned by [[Christian]] mothers who advocated [[attachment parenting]] were welcomed to join. After [[Yahoo!]]'s purchase of WebRing.com in 1999, Mrs. Carr declined to continue the Gentle Christian Mothers webring. Shortly thereafter, she formed a [[message board]] at [[ezboard]]. The new message board focused on the same principles as the defunct webring.<ref>[http://www.gentlechristianmothers.com/aboutgcm/how.php Gentle Christian Mothers - Christian Attachment Parenting<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> In mid-1999, Mrs. Carr invited former members of the webring to join the message board. At its inception, Gentle Christian Mothers hosted only a few dozen users. ==Gentle Christian Mothers Description and History== [[Christian]] mothers who practice [[attachment parenting]] often have to gather information and support from [[secular]] sources. Gentle Christian Mothers presents a [[Christian]] faith-based approach to [[attachment parenting]] and [[positive parenting]]. Shortly after its launch, Mrs. Carr introduced a forum to support mothers in the application of Grace-Based Discipline, so named by Crystal Lutton, and GOYBParenting developed by Joanne Davidson. This forum has become both popular and controversial, as it advocates [[positive discipline]] (per [[Jane Nelsen]]) and logical consequences while discouraging [[corporal punishment]] for children. This paradigm shift away from punitive [[Christian]] thought about the "rod" verses in the [[Bible]] attracts as many users as it has repelled, and has led to some heated debate among the message board members. Gentle Christian Mother's official stance is anti-[[corporal punishment]]. GCM users are diversified, and the message board's forums reflect that. Topics including (but not limited to) [[vegetarianism]], [[veganism]], [[homeschooling]], [[unschooling]], [[marriage]], exposing the faults of the parenting programs advocated by Gary Ezzo and [[Growing Families International]], [[cooking]], [[entertainment]], and different ages & stages of [[childhood]] are found at GCM. A print newsletter, <i>Gentle Mothering</i>, is available to members who have paid dues; however, online membership is without charge. ==Gentle Christian Mothers today== At present, Gentle Christian Mothers hosts hundreds of diverse users from around the globe. Its print newsletter is published quarterly, and its website contains articles written by members, testimonials from members, and membership information, as well as the message board. ==See also== *[[attachment parenting]] *[[breastfeeding]] *[[babywearing]] *[[positive discipline]] *[[organic food]] *[[home birth]] *[[homemaking]] ==References== <references/> ==External links== *[http://www.gentlechristianmothers.com/ Official Gentle Christian Mothers website] *[http://www.aolff.org Crystal Lutton's Grace-Based Discipline Site] *[http://goybparenting.com/ GOYBP, Joanne Davidson's website] *[http://www.gentlechristianfamilies.com Gentle Christian Families] *[http://www.parentingfreedom.com Parenting Freedom] [[Category:Community websites]] [[Category:Parenting]] [[Category:Christian websites]]