Controversial Parenting Topics

I will start this off by saying, I love to have debates. It fosters communication, learning, and growth. With that said, I don't agree with people attacking other people because of their choices and decisions. Having a civilized conversation is definitely the way to approach controversial topics. In parenting, there are many decisions to be made about how to raise baby. There is no right way to raise a child. Parents choose what is best for them, their baby, and their family.

#1 How to Give Birth

My take on this topic is that every woman will give birth how she feels is best. A woman has to choose the right way for her.

#2 Months vs Years

This one drives me nuts!! You won't hear me going around saying, "Oh my son is 27 months old!" Now that he is a year old, he will be referred to as being 1 year old.

#3 No Winning in Competition

My opinion is that we are doing our children no favors by saying every child is a winner. There is definitely nothing wrong with some healthy and fair competition. By giving everyone a winner's trophy, we are teaching our children that it doesn't matter if they fail or if they don't work hard, they will always be rewarded. That is wrong and not how real life works.

#4 Co-sleeping/bed sharing

Since the first week of his life, my husband and I have co-slept with our son. Some nights, having him in the bed with us was the only way that he would sleep! It is still that way with him sometimes. Many cultures have co-slept with their babies for centuries! I don't understand where all this, "co-sleeping increases SIDS" comes from. SIDS stands for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. There is no known cause for it. I have never worried or feared for my son's safety while he was sleeping with us. He also has slept in our room since birth (partly because we only have 1 bedroom) and I feel safer that way.

#5 Child Leashes

I fully intend to use a leash with my son. I see nothing wrong with this. We all know how much trouble a child can get into within seconds. With all the abductions and horrible things happening in this country, I won't take a chance that my son could be taken from me.

#6 Feeding

Again, all I will say here is that it is up to the mom's discretion. No mom should ever be attacked or ashamed for how she chooses to feed her baby.

#7 Medication for Illnesses

We have been giving our son Tylenol to help him sleep while teething, and it has been a lifesaver! To each their own, but I would rather help my son out when he is in pain.

#8 Spanking and Discipline

I will use spanking for severe punishments and time outs with my children. Yes, I will explain to them why they are in trouble and what they did, but with every action comes consequence. Children are not learning these lessons, and as a result, they are doing whatever they please without any thought of the consequences that can follow.

#9 Electronics

CHILDREN SHOULD NOT HAVE THEIR OWN iPADS, TVS, AND COMPUTERS!! Yes, my son will watch his Wiggles and Puppy Dog Pals but he does not sit in front of a tv all day. Yes, we let him have our phones sometimes, but his biggest draw to it is he likes to press the button and make the baby's face appear. My children will not have their own electronics. I don't even plan to get them phones until they can pay for them on their own. This may be an unpopular decision, but having the internet and social media at their fingers at all times is seriously detrimental to their development and social relationships.

#10 Pacifiers

My son could not take or use a pacifier for the first 4 months of his life. He had no help in soothing. When he finally could take pacifiers, it was a lifesaver! Luckily, he is the type of baby that can do without one, but finds comfort in it when offered. I think pacifiers are a great tool for babies (provided they are weaned from them when they start getting all their teeth and talking). Honestly, it will be harder to wean my son off his bottle.