Having just read a lovely article at Pinky McKay’s blog about how we’ve all gone a bit overboard with gadgety for our children… I’ve been reflecting on how different my second son has been to my first.
My parenting has changed significantly, to what I like to consider to be a more baby-centric method.
This time around, we use a ring sling regularly, to settle him, to transport him, to cuddle him, and sometimes just so he can see what we’re up to.
This time around, we co-sleep. It’s magnificent, I can breastfeed in bed, with my baby, and don’t have to brave the cold floors in the middle of the night!!
This time around, we haven’t introduced solids early. And have no intention of it.
This time around, I homebirthed. With the care of a wonderful midwife, doula, and my husband.
This time around, I haven’t weighed my son – rather trusting in my instincts that he is healthy and growing.
These are just afew of the changes that we’ve made in our parenting, since our first son was born – As a family, we’re all more relaxed, together, and positive about who we are. How we parent our first son has evolved as well – it took a while to twig on, but I like to think now that he’s a much happier little man because of it.
Parenting isn’t about being right or wrong, it’s about constantly learning, and refining, and discovering what works for you as a family.
We discovered we were so much happier when we relaxed into just being parents, and just discovering our children on a day to day basis, rather than adhering to other people’s expectations.
