Parenting isn’t for the faint of heart.
The moment I became a mother, I learned just how controversial every choice I made was.
I remember being out at a basketball game with my barefoot six month-old.
Controversial parenting issues go far beyond bare feet in winter.
And don’t even get me started on kid leashes.
Here are just a few of the issues to think about before starting a family.
Many of us remember thatTimecoverfrom March 2012.
It featured Jamie Lynne Grummetbreastfeedingher three year-old son, and the article detailed the problems with attachment parenting.
Attachment parenting focuses on the child and centering care around his or her needs.
Our kids depend on us for limits, so trying too hard to be friends will not serve them.
“Children need and crave structure.
They will have plenty of friends but only one mom (or dad).”
“Parenting is frequently counterintuitive,” Ezell shared.
Most of us wait until the children are here and often feel shocked when we differ in parenting styles.
“Often, couples don’t talk over details of how they will parent a child before getting married.
After the birth, parenting styles surface and clash,” President ofGrowing LeadersTim Elmore told me.
Then, explore how to balance empathy with discipline."
“I believe it matters less how strict or lenient you are with your kids.
What matters more is how consistent you are over the years,” explained Elmore.
This actually creates a secure environment.
Even if your partner is unpredictable as they lead, you’ll be seen as reliable."
Often kids think sexual harassment can only come from the opposite gender."
“It’s hard for me to believe it’s a philosophical change.
It’s kind of an attempt at a hostile takeover.”
Bottle versus breastfeeding
Choosing breast milk or formula has long been a controversial parenting topic.
However, a recentstudy inPediatricsmay change that.
According to researchers, breastfed children do not necessarily have an edge over bottle-fed babies.
The one area where breastfeeding seemed to make a strong difference was in hyperactive behavior in three year-olds.
However, even that finding was not true by the time children turned 5.
Unfortunately for us squeamish parents, it is probably already time to start talking.
“Taking the deep breath and answering questions makes you the go-to source for questions about sexuality.
“When kids are curious about the world, including things like ‘how did the baby get in there?
‘, tell them.
Figure out what, exactly, your child is asking and keep answers targeted and short.”
In the United States alone, about 3,500 babies die each year from sleep-related deaths.
“But she’s in her crib, which is the safest place for a baby to sleep.
Your baby’s crib should be her safe haven.
Sharing photos online
Are you a “sharenter?”
That is the new term for parents who choose to share their children’s photos online.
Land recommends always asking for permission from your child before posting any picture.
Kid leashes
We have arrived at the controversial child leash.
“The perception is, this is a parent who can’t control her toddler.”
At the end of the day, we are all parents who are just doing our best.
Even if you are against leashes, does not mean that they are wrong for everyone.
“Parents are often judging one another rather than supporting one another,” said Hartstein.
The common core standards are a set of standardized standards for math and English.
Many schools have adopted these standards, and educators’ opinions are mixed.
The main concern is that the standards encourage testing young children before it is appropriate.
“The real school starting age is 7,” Dr. Alvin RosenfeldtoldForbes.
“It may be 8 or 6, depending on the child.
This is all based on what we know about child development, starting from Piaget.
Your brain isn’t sufficiently wired to do it before then.
Some kids who were readingHarry Potterat 4 end up as career baristas.
Before choosing a school, look into their teaching philosophy and how the teachers feel about the methods.
I can’t imagine a situation when it would be a good idea to introduce soda to a child.
There are many factors contributing to childhood obesity, not simply soda.
