Baby Wise

This has been a point of contention for me since before I was having children of my own, but I have a issue with people who tell me what is best for my children. Let me preface this with the fact that I am not against people giving us advise, though now that we have two of our own, hopefully, we have jumped to the other side of the fence. I am thankfully that we have parents that are supportive and we have always been open to their advice, but I have also run into people who demanded that their way of raising children was correct.

*sigh*

When I was working camp at Northland in '95, I ran into a fellow staff member from down South that was adamant that her way was the way. I would often stop by the nursery, where she would work, since it was one of the few buildings on campus that had a bit of air conditioning. While there, she made it clear that I was not to talk to any of the children in "baby talk", so I wouldn't retard their learning process, because you talked to a baby to help them develop language skills. The one time I did...I didn't think Ms. Hitler was watching...I was scolded, which lead to me responding to her in my usual meek way..."You know, you won't have to worry about having children of your own, since no man would ever be with you."

Ah, to be young again.

What prompted me to start thinking about all of this was this article. I have a group of news agencies that I poke through every so often and I found this in the backlog of stories. I have have two things that I always look for - entertainment and science. I know, what a combination, but I like a little fluff with my deep thinking. It keeps me from getting too serious.

Believe it or not, I have had this conversation - if babies should ever sleep with parents - with my wife. I have to confess that we have had the children in bed with us, but only after making a fort out of pillows, so we didn't roll over them and it was only on a few times. You know, when nothing you try works, and you need to sleep? Don't judge me. You know you have done it too! Also, I actually commented on a ladies blog, who believed that not only should her babies sleep with her, but so should all their children. She had several other kids, which ranged from 2-12 that slept with her and her husband in a community bed. I don't want to get into that because it was a bit creepy, but you know what...and here is my point I guess...that if that is how she wants to raise her children, as *gah* as it is, it is her right as a parent.

Now, if something illegal or immoral was happening, then concern can be raised, but barring that...mind your own business.

If we want to bottle feed, then that is what is best for our child.

If we want to talk nonsense to our kid, then that is best for our child.

If we want to let our child cry, instead of holding her constantly, then that is best for our child.

This is America and that means if we want to have a baby that is missing out on the natural nutrients and immunity of breastmilk, doesn't talk correctly until 5th grade, and is emotionally alienated, then that is our right!

Let me tell you a few of the things that I have learned over the last six years, but I'm not telling you what you should do, but since I am smarter than you, it probably wouldn't hurt for you to do so:

1. Diapers hold way more than you think they can. You really don't have to change them until the kid walks like a cowboy.

2. If you don't vacuum, it will keep your babies occupied, however, don't be surprised if when you change their diaper, it is fuzzy...that will be normal.

3. If you set the living room up correctly, it is possible to, with the use of the chairs from the kitchen, to make a huge playpen, which allows you to sleep on the couch, but still be there in the event that you might hear the child choking or playing with the power outlet.

4. In a raisin, out a raisin. This also applies with cantaloupes and grapes.

5. Even if the children are not leaving the house, shirts and pants must match, and match by a woman's standards. Apparently, men have no idea what they are talking about.

6. If the baby is crying, they are hungry, need a diaper change, or they have realized that you have been getting more than an hour of sleep.

7. Benadryl, given with love, will solve any problem.

Logan will be so lucky that his sisters have taught me so much. And, in about a month, I will be able to apply that knowledge. Bring it on!