Spoiling My Babies Since 2010

This article is contributed by guest blogger, Maranda Russell, Aprons and Ink.

Nap time is “Mom-Time” isn’t it?  At least, that’s what mainstream parenting tells us.  You rock your baby, lay him/her down (if you’re lucky you achieve that elusive goal of getting your toddler to nap too) and you’re finally “free” to clean, sleep, do whatever is expected of you because, at last, your kids are out of your hair. It’s yourtime.As an attachment parent, I even believed this. In the few, tired weeks after my second daughter was born I cried and agonized in frustration over this projected sleep-time goal.  My 2 year old, who is a busy ball of energy, would bounce and jump and giggle from her crib- while my newborn would shriek the moment her little body touched our co-sleeping bed.  I was a naptime failure.

Then I had a thought, “Why am I killing myself to follow the traditional parenting rules? Why not just listen to my children and follow their lead?”

Fast forward eight months.  My energetic toddler lays on the floor flipping through the pages of her favorite book. Sprawled in my arms and across my belly is a napping 8-month-old.  Oblivious to the occasional cheer of glee from her sister- just sweetly suckling milk and dreaming in my arms.  The house is a mess, there are dirty dishes in the sink and diapers to be washed- but these two hours are mine. Why would I even try to lay her down?  What in the world is more important than this?

Don’t be in a rush to parent the way you’re supposed to.  Take the time to listen to what your children are communicating.  Once you really hear them- what could be sweeter than attending to their needs? Maybe that mothering swear word, “spoiled” is exactly what their tender hearts require.

Co-sleeping Best For Kids up to Three-Years-Old

This article from The Daily Mail releases new research showing that co-sleeping is best for kids right up to ages three and four. 

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2054393/Bad-news-dads-Babies-share-mothers-bed-age-good-hearts.html

There is actually a wealth of research that I discuss in my book, to support co-sleeping, yet it rarely makes the headlines in the mainstream.  Most parents fear that co-sleeping and SIDS are interlinked and it simply isn’t true.  Unless you are grosly overweight, a smoker, or a heavy drinker/drug user the safest, and most desirable, place for your child is right by your side for as long as they want.   Many co-sleepers have a family room/bed that accommodates everyone – large and small.  Honestly, I find there really isn’t anything nicer than waking up with all my crew snuggled up together – BLISS!