Lisa - posted on 05/03/2011 ( 7 moms have responded )
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I am often disturbed by how quickly we want our litte ones to grow up. I see posts and threads here with worried parents wondering why their son or daughter can't do this or that and I understand their concerns. However, I also see threads of people criticizing other parents for not rushing their chidren along. For example, one complaining about toddlers who still have bottles or soothers and judging the parents of these toddlers for how they are raising their little ones.
Why do North American parents feel there is one big race to be run. Why do so many parents live for the day when their children will do this or that big thing.
So, I say, to all you parents who are like me and my husband and are content to let our son develop at his own pace, post here. Come out of hiding and tell your tale so others will know they are not alone.
My son was 7 weeks premature and except for talking at 8 months (and not really stopping ever since), he has been "late" by others standards at most things. He recently weaned himself off of bottles (he still had one in the morning when he's super hungry); he just decided he didn't want "milk" anymore. Research shows that children will wean themselves from both breast and bottle and that in many European countries, parents are not taught to force it. He also still needs a nap in the afternoon, sleeps with a soother and a cuddle blanket, and we still put jarred apple/raspbery and apple/blueberry in his oatmeal.
Anyway, I hope that others will read this and see that it is alright to let our toddlers be, well, toddlers. This is such a special time in their lives so why try to rush them through it just so we can brag about it online or to our friends in rl.
Have a great day with your children and enjoy every minute for what it is and not what it could be. ^_^
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