May 9, 2009

To Whom it May Concern:

I first met Barbara Rodriguez in 2002 through Kenny Loggins. She had recently moved to Nashville with her husband Chris, and Kenny was hoping to introduce her to some wives of local musicians and songwriters. My husband Gary is a songwriter and record producer, and the fact that I had co-founded a non-profit parenting organization, Attachment Parenting International (API), gave us another important connection: our love of children and advocating for their need for loving, supportive parenting.

When Lysa Parker and I founded API we truly wanted to 'save the world' through a message of non-violent, loving parenting methods. We were inspired by Ghandi's words: "If we are to reach real peace in this world...we shall have to begin with children." And the way to do this is through our example, treating our children with respect, empathy, and loving guidance.

Barbara's love for children is a driving force ~ she has witnessed firsthand the positive effects of loving connection, and the devastating effects of rejection and insecurity. Ironically our society usually equates these problems with poverty and violence, but her observations bring to light the challenges in even the most affluent and educated classification of parents.

Her story is so powerful and her message is ultimately one of deep love and empathy for the children she has been so blessed to meet and nurture. My hope is that this book will be a turning point for many families; to be very conscious in the decisions they make about who cares for their children and the critical importance of consistent, loving care in the early life of any child.

Barbara Nicholson, M.Ed, Co-founder
Attachment Parenting International
Nurturing Children for a Compassionate World
www.attachmentparenting.org

Co-author, Attached at the Heart: Eight Proven Parenting Principles for Raising Connected and Compassionate Children
www.attachedattheheartbook.com