New research shows, for example---
- Moms are the most tired people in a family
- Separation from mother stresses babies
- There are clues in babies' crying
- Babies understand more than parents think they do
- Honey can provide comfort from coughing in children
- New labor positions to try
My question is this: Are you kidding me? THIS is NEW research? I don't think so.
I'm not saying that there isn't any research out there that isn't helpful. Certainly, there is. I, for one, am a fan of the research showing the relationship between health problems/syndromes/disorders and nutrition. But it's not NEW research. I am a fan of the holistic/natural/organic movement in health and nutrition. But it's not NEW research either.
I guess it's good if there are really that many young mothers out there who are totally clueless. But, I just don't think that there are. I'm pretty sure that a lot of them know how to pay attention and learn to read the signs. Or maybe the 'experts' conducting these 'studies' are smarter than all of us put together and have discovered how to get rich off our stupidity.
I read one article relating the number of fast food commercials children between the ages of 2 and 5 see on television and childhood obesity. Really? THAT'S their concern? I have to wonder why we're not asking, "What the hell is your little kid doing in front of the television?!"
They are asking companies to stop targeting preschoolers. I'm asking the parents to stop putting their kids in front of the television.
I admit that I am a bit disturbed that parents need to be told such things as children need ample sleep. Seriously. Who doesn't know this?
Touch your infants more. Touch your infants less. Breastfeed your baby. Don't breastfeed your baby. Use cloth diapers. Use Pampers. Use plastic bottles. Use glass bottles. Drink wine. Don't drink wine. Caffeine is ok. Caffeine is not ok.
There are always going to be at least two sides to everything. It's a wonder new parents' heads aren't in a constant whirlpool. It's even a greater wonder that they continue to read and write about all these studies.
I've said it before and I'll say it again. And again. And again.
Pay attention to your children. From birth. AND LEARN.
I read one article relating the number of fast food commercials children between the ages of 2 and 5 see on television and childhood obesity. Really? THAT'S their concern? I have to wonder why we're not asking, "What the hell is your little kid doing in front of the television?!"
They are asking companies to stop targeting preschoolers. I'm asking the parents to stop putting their kids in front of the television.
I admit that I am a bit disturbed that parents need to be told such things as children need ample sleep. Seriously. Who doesn't know this?
Touch your infants more. Touch your infants less. Breastfeed your baby. Don't breastfeed your baby. Use cloth diapers. Use Pampers. Use plastic bottles. Use glass bottles. Drink wine. Don't drink wine. Caffeine is ok. Caffeine is not ok.
There are always going to be at least two sides to everything. It's a wonder new parents' heads aren't in a constant whirlpool. It's even a greater wonder that they continue to read and write about all these studies.
I've said it before and I'll say it again. And again. And again.
Pay attention to your children. From birth. AND LEARN.
I absolutely agree 1 gazillion percent with you. I remember when my daughter had her baby and the Teen Age Parent Program School she went to told her that she should not give her baby water.....WHAT ARE YOU KIDDING ME? These are the type of people that we are entrusting to educate our young parents in parenthood. Seriously I was floored. I have given all of my children water and what about all of our parents parents that gave them water.
ReplyDeleteI took her to the pediatrician and asked him this question and he said and I quote "water is for plants and milk is for babies". I was so floored. We have to put water in formula don't we? He couldn't answer after that.
Trina- I don't know where people come up with the ideas they do. AND they make money off of these thoughts! Who knew??? Water is also good for rinsing the sugar from the formula (for those using formula) off the gums and new teeth of infants. No water. Right. :)
ReplyDeletePreach it, sister! There is so much conflicting information out there and yet if people used common sense and were able to do something anything without needing peer approval, kids would be much better off - and so would they.
ReplyDeleteGreat post and oh so true. Grand kids are fun too. I still love to sit and watch and learn. Have a lovely short week.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, I totally agree. I've had a young, brand new mother smugly tell me the same thing about feeding water to the baby. Where on earth do these people get their ideas?!!
ReplyDeleteYou are absolutely right.
ReplyDeleteHappy Thanksgiving to you and your lovelies!
ReplyDeleteWell said Pam. I always said we carry a baby for 9 months so we can prepare for motherhood. Instinct is what I lived by and still do. Look at all of nature. They care for their young by instinct. Not books and "experts"!! Hugs XX
ReplyDelete