I know Dr. Sears is a proponent of AP, but it seems that you can achieve these same characteristics in your children without Attachment Parenting.
http://www.askdrsears.com/html/10/T130600.asp
I have always tried to be sensitive to DD's needs, never let her CIO and give her much love, affection and attention. I also try to put myself in her place so I know how to respond to her in different situations. I can see some parents not being like that - her sitter is a good example. The sitter is a Mom and takes good care of the kids, but she is lacking on the compassionate side. I just try to treat DD the way I would want to be treated.
DD is a very sensitive, high needs child that I waited a long time to have. Believe me, she gets plenty of love and attention despite the fact that I went back to work when she was 6 months old. I can see her developing many of the traits mentioned in the article. I hurt my back about a week and a half ago. I rarely mentioned it to DD, but this morning, she asked me "Does your back feel better Mommy?" Her stepsister didn't come over last weekend because she was sick. A week later when she saw her, she asked her if she felt better. Isn't that a compassionate child?
So, you know what I think. What are your thoughts on this? I realize he's not really saying you have to AP to achieve these results, but he could give credit where credit is due, KWIM?