Infant Parenting: Should I let my child cry?
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by: kinjalshah
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Word Count: 471
Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 Time: 9:14 AM
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The Truby King method of infant parenting has fallen out of favour in recent years. It is a model based on strict routines - no feeding on demand, strict bedtime routines, lots of fresh air for the baby, and certainly no sleeping with him in your bed. Followers of this method claim to have infants sleeping through the night within a month and to reduce parent tiredness, but opponents claim the method is a form of baby bullying and is too restrictive for parents to enjoy their children. If you follow the Truby King method, as long as you know your baby is fed and clean then you should let him cry himself to sleep.
In the 1960s, the best selling baby care book was written by Dr Benjamin Spock. After the strict upbringing that many children had before then, the ideas of Dr Spock were almost revolutionary. He claimed that all babies were individuals and that parents could learn how best to treat their infants by observing them and doing whatever feels right at the time. His philosophy of infant parenting was one of love, understanding and empathy, and he suggested that it was perfectly fine to pick your child up and comfort them if they were crying.
Another view on infant parenting is that advocated by followers of the Continuum Concept, which was popular in the 1970s. This method of parenting recommends holding your child constantly for the first 6 months and sleeping with them. Followers say that by putting your baby in a sling and carrying on with your normal life is what people do in many parts of the world, and that it builds happy, well-adjusted children, and reduces post-natal depression. Opponents believe that it stifles children's independence.
Today, most parents favour a mixture of these techniques. Babies are unique and you will know your child better than anyone else. Don't be afraid to let your baby cry for a while, as long as you know they are safe, clean, and not hungry. There is also nothing wrong with picking up your child to comfort them. Babies only cry when they need something, and that can be something as straightforward as a cuddle from mum or dad. Infant parenting is often scary for new parents; take your cues from your child and don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it.
For more tips on parenting refer to my free e-book "New Parenting Style" on
http://www.newparentingstyle.com/index. html
About the Author
The author is a successful marketing executive in a large consumer good company and a mother of two boys. She has had a rough ride in the past two years and has successfully saved her family from the brink of disaster by working on her parenting style. She has recently built a website www.newparentingstyle.com, which touches upon some effective parenting tips that have helped her in her success.
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