Someone requested that after reading this book, I post my thoughts. First of all, I fully admit that I didn't read the entire thing. I read a lot of it and when it got to where it seemed like it was talking a lot about breast feeding I sort of tossed it aside because I am not breastfeeding. So maybe I cannot be a fair judge. I liked most of what I read. I could relate to having a schedule. As I was reading, I thought to myself, "ok, we already have that"...the eating, awake, sleep routine. Alaina is definitely on that schedule, but she is no where near sleeping through the night and she is 11 weeks old now. At this point I'm not sure if I "buy" that all babies can sleep through the night by 12 weeks or whatever. But again, I did not read the entire book, so maybe I missed something. Alaina is steadily making progress, just as Katelyn did. She is sleeping up to about 4 hours at a time at night. Personally, I don't see anything "wrong" with where Alaina is at. She is happy, content, well fed, healthy, beautiful, etc. What more could I ask for? If my child isn't sleeping through the night by 12 weeks, does that mean I am doing something wrong? For the most part I felt that I was already doing most of what I read. So, I don't know...I liked it, but I guess I didn't jump on the band wagon, and I don't judge anyone who has followed this parenting style. I believe we each have to do what works best for US and for our situation. We know our babies better than anyone else. In contrast, I have also read some things about "Attachment Parenting"- the parenting style that was so opposed in this book. Some of the things I have read about AP also felt very natural to me. I relate a lot to that as well. I do not profess, however, to know very much about that style at all. After thinking a lot about it, I decided that I didn't really want to attach myself to one particular parenting style, either way. But I am definitely open minded to learning knew ways to parent better, so if something works for me from one style or another, I'll take it.
So, I guess that sums it up. What do you think?
6 comments:
Thanks for your insight! I agree that I just take the best of all styles. It is just such a help to get new ideas. The more tricks up your sleeve, the easier trouble-shooting can be.
I think you are right. There is no one right way to parent because no two kids are the same. You have to do what's best for YOUR child.
I own this book and have used it for all 3 of my kids. I agree with you that all kids are different. Especially mine. My first born slept through the night at 6 weeks, the 2nd at 4 months but had colic, the 3rd slept throught the night at 3 months. I liked the schedule of eat, play, then sleep. I didn't agree with everything it said but I thought it was a good idea to get your baby on a schedule so they know what to expect. I think you as a parent have the right to implement many ideas from many books to see what works for your child.
I totally agree with you. We all parent different and it works for us. Personally I would rather have an early AM feeding than listen to screaming. I also love to rock and snuggle. I think whatever the style its about consistency.
I have used this book for my 3 kids too. I love parts of it and totally disregard others. The thing that I think is the most important is teaching your kid to put themselves to sleep so they are not totally reliant on you. However this book is anti "sleep prop" (like a binky or a blanky) whatever. I love binkies. My kids all slept through the night pretty early and were happy kids. I just hate hearing about kids who are still in their parents beds at age 7. Yikes.
I'm glad you posted about this! Whoever requested that you do so must have been totally inspired...and pure genius...
=)
It's nice to hear someone be open to parenting advice. It seems like so many moms act like know-it-alls.
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