R-E-S-P-E-C-T

There are few things that get my goat more than lack of respect. It seems that disrepectfulness has become an epidemic in our society. No, I am not talking about teenagers. I am talking about other parents.

I hate it when other parents feel that they have the right to tell you what you are doing wrong in the parenting department. They see nothing wrong with criticizing every little thing that you are doing in raising your child.

Excuse me? Who made you an expert on child-rearing? Just because you have your own children does not make you an expert on all children.

One thing I learned very early in my parenting journey is to trust my instincts, and that is the advice that I give all new parents. If a book, or grandma, or a well-meaning friend or stranger tells you how you should do something, and it seems counter-intuitive, by all means do not follow that advice!

Ladybug's first pediatrician told me that by letting her nurse for more than 10 minutes per breast was allowing myself to become her pacifier. Um. So what's wrong with that? It is my job as her mother to comfort her, and if that means putting her to the breast, I will do that. Babies, toddlers included, do not know how to navigate this world emotionally. As her mother, I need to teach her how to calmly approach difficult situations. But you cannot rationalize with a screaming infant or toddler. Giving them a means to calm down first is more important in my eyes.

Notice I said "first" pediatrician? We found a new one who would be more supportive of the way that we chose to care for our child.

And just recently, I was told by a woman, who I know well, not only that Ladybug should not be sleeping in our bed, but gave specific instructions on how to get her to sleep in her own room. And this came from a woman who regularly takes mission trips to a very poor country. Um. Where do babies sleep in that poor country, where most people can barely afford a one room shack? They sleep in the same room with not only their parents, but their entire family. Just because I am "rich enough" to afford a 3-bedroom home does not mean that I have to use all of those rooms for sleeping.

I do not mind if people disagree with my parenting choices. As long as it is not hurting my child, however, I do not believe that anyone else has the right to tell me what I'm doing wrong AND how to fix it.

So, if you are a new parent: trust your instincts. For an experienced parent: respect the parenting choices that your friends and acquaintances make. Offer advice only when asked. Most of all, respect another parent's choices and the fact that they know their child best.

... end of rant ...