Posted by viva nashvegas on August 03, 2001 at 15:21:04:
In Reply to: Re: attachment parenting and organization posted by jonvon on August 03, 2001 at 14:44:37:
Just to clear one or two things up about my thoughts on this...
Every child IS different. And likewise every parent-to-child experience will be different. And different responses are required in each of those different situations. I don't think anyone should just blindly follow some theory here or there over trusting some of their own God-given instincts and intuitions for parenting.
In many ways every child will be the center of their parent's universe. The thing Aimee and I were afraid of was raising Micah to believe she was in an unhealthy way. I've come to believe that a child should function as a member of a family and not the center of a family; if that makes any sense. Again, I'm NOT saying that parents shouldn't treat their kids like they are the center of the universe, just that Aimee and I want to be careful that the same kind of self-centeredness that is normal in a baby doesn't carry over as they grow into adulthood. My addendum to my previous post would be to state that I've found many of the ideas contained in Babywise to really help with that goal.
As I'm sure you already know, I also love to carry my baby around and hold her close. I treasure every moment with her and love her and cherish meeting her every need. I think it's awesome that you feel that way and I know Roan must be a wonderful baby; having such terrific and loving parents. I also agree with and follow a lot of ideas and methods that Dr. Sears recommends; but not everything. It's not a 'this theory over that one' so much as a 'be as highly educated about it all as you can so that you can make the best choices possible for you and your child' kind of thing.
I think it's so cool to imagine you as a dad, now, John. It seems strange and perfect all at once. I've yet to see you in action, but I'm looking forward to that day with joy.