MyBaby - Parenting News Flashes from rockergirrl

Parenting News Flashes from rockergirrl

Posted June 12, 2008 at 10:57AM in Parenting General by rockergirrl | Back

www.findbarefootbooks.com

Dr. Rockergirrl is in the house. I am in a feisty mood so I am going to go ahead with this. I mean no harm or disrespect by this. I am just loud and wrong (and sometimes right). hee-hee.

Parenting is not rocket science. I honestly don't understand how so many people mess it up. I am no expert, I don't have a degree in child psychology, I am not perfect and never expect myself or others to be but come on. Here is my take on the the most common issues I hear about from other parents that drive me insane.

News Flashes for pregnant and new parents

1.Babies cry a lot

2.Babies DO not sleep much at night. They are baby mammals and it is their nature to need food and be close to their mother. You can't expect to put a tiny baby in a huge crib in another room by themselves have them learn to cry it out themselves. I am sorry to be the one to say this but it doesn't actually teach them anything. All it does is tell them there is no one there to help them with their needs.

3.Holding your baby, wearing them in a sling or carrier and responding to their needs will not spoil your child. Babies were not born to sit in a plastic bouncy seat all day with a plug in their mouth so you can “teach” them to be independent.

4.The first year will be the hardest year of your life. Use your friends and family to vent to and please do vent but remember – you chose this. You brought a life into the world. It is a short amount of time that will pass very quickly.

5.I don't care what you have read – babies do not need to watch videos. I am sorry but that is the biggest pile of crap I have ever heard. We listen to the American Academy of Pediatrics when it comes to other important things like immunizations – why don't we listen to them when they say that children under the age of 2 should watch 0 hours of TV? This includes stupid videos of colors and animals. If you want to help make your baby smart open a freakin' book and read to her.

News Flashes for toddlers, preschoolers and older children:

1.Don't feed your kid juice all day and then wonder why they won't drink water. Once the gate is opened it is very hard to close. Give them juice with breakfast and call it a day.

2.Same goes for junky food. If you buy it and it is in the house they will eat it. You are the one in control of what is bought and served.

3.Establish early bed times for your children. Kids need sleep. You need down time. It is the best thing you will ever do for yourself and your children. If you are having sleep issues first look at their nap if they are young enough to nap. Make sure they are not napping too late in the day.

4.Your constant threats about time outs are not working. I hear you on the playgrounds. “One more time Johnny and you are going to time out.” Seldom is it followed through. Instead it is repeated over and over. Johnny is just hearing “blah blah blah mom is yacking away again” I believe children can be brought up without time outs. They can be effective if used properly but I think 90% of the time they are not.

5. Kids go through phases with potty training. They might have a few days at the early age of 2 where they sit and pee on the potty and everyone jumps up and down with glee. You have visions of a diaper free house and money you will save on buying them. Then Sally stops showing interest in the potty, you wonder why and the bribes begin. The deal is that potty training takes up to several years at times. Most children go through phases with it and this is all normal. Don't ever pressure your child to learn. They cannot learn until their bodies are physically ready. Encourage but don't pressure.

I feel a lot better now. Happy parenting!

Tags: parenting

Comments

karriejean responded June 13, 2008 at 7:38AM

Massage therapist, martial artist, butt-kickin' momma.

Bo rah, RG.

rockergirrl responded June 13, 2008 at 9:28AM

www.findbarefootbooks.com

can you translate that comment karriejean? I don't know what bo rah means.

EugenS responded June 13, 2008 at 4:05PM

Thanks a lot for your article. Do you, perhaps, have some tips on what should a healthy baby diet be? Thanks

matty39 responded June 14, 2008 at 9:31AM

EugenS,
The diet depends on the age of the baby. Usually until 4 to 6 months, a baby doesn't need anything but either breasstmilk or formula. Preferrably breastmilk but if for some reason mom isn't breasfeeding, formula would be the obvious choice.