We all know that everyone parents differently, but the biggest differences I see are what some see as important others don't. We all choose to pick different battles, and have different expectations for our children.
Some of the most interesting things I've seen are bottles, nursing, and sleep patterns.
Some think its best to skip bottles all together, some think if it helps the child let them keep it. As mine refused a bottle every time it was offered I can't voice any opinion on the matter, except they need to be able to use a cup by school, if for no other reason then to keep spillage to a minimum, and it is possible they would be teased by other children. Bullying starts early now, but if a child takes a bottle of warm water at night that's between them and their parents.
The two camps on nursing are always based on how long to continue. The worst part of this discussion is the guilt and sadness of those who can't nurse, or who can't do it for very long. I thought this was created by women who can, but I've since noticed a surge in support for these struggling mothers. This is wonderful to see, as new moms have enough concerns without the judgements of other moms. Once nursing is established it's interesting to see how long is deemed acceptable. I've seen opinions from 3 months to whenever the child stops, the extreme cases of 10 and 12 year olds are on the Internet, but I don't know any myself. I think it's up to the child and parent, only they know what is right for them.
Oh the sleeping! In the crib, cosleeping, lengths of naps... I've seen so many opinions and statements on this, and I like to see what others say, but I'm if the belief that if they sleep you're lucky and let them. I don't wake my child from a nap unless supper is ready, I don't like to wake her in the morning unless I need to, and if she asks to go to bed I sure let her. Not everyone agrees with me, and I fully respect that. Come school they will need to be on a schedule, and I'll prepare for that in advance. Again, every family has needs and wants, and must do what is best for them.
How do you feel about the differences in parenting? Do you think we should all parent the same way or does everyone need to adjust in their own way?
Some of the most interesting things I've seen are bottles, nursing, and sleep patterns.
Some think its best to skip bottles all together, some think if it helps the child let them keep it. As mine refused a bottle every time it was offered I can't voice any opinion on the matter, except they need to be able to use a cup by school, if for no other reason then to keep spillage to a minimum, and it is possible they would be teased by other children. Bullying starts early now, but if a child takes a bottle of warm water at night that's between them and their parents.
The two camps on nursing are always based on how long to continue. The worst part of this discussion is the guilt and sadness of those who can't nurse, or who can't do it for very long. I thought this was created by women who can, but I've since noticed a surge in support for these struggling mothers. This is wonderful to see, as new moms have enough concerns without the judgements of other moms. Once nursing is established it's interesting to see how long is deemed acceptable. I've seen opinions from 3 months to whenever the child stops, the extreme cases of 10 and 12 year olds are on the Internet, but I don't know any myself. I think it's up to the child and parent, only they know what is right for them.
Oh the sleeping! In the crib, cosleeping, lengths of naps... I've seen so many opinions and statements on this, and I like to see what others say, but I'm if the belief that if they sleep you're lucky and let them. I don't wake my child from a nap unless supper is ready, I don't like to wake her in the morning unless I need to, and if she asks to go to bed I sure let her. Not everyone agrees with me, and I fully respect that. Come school they will need to be on a schedule, and I'll prepare for that in advance. Again, every family has needs and wants, and must do what is best for them.
How do you feel about the differences in parenting? Do you think we should all parent the same way or does everyone need to adjust in their own way?