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For reasons nobody really understands, parents seem to love criticizing the way other parents raise their kids. Before we go any further, can we agree that unless the child's safety or well-being is at issue, can we stop doing that? Like, if someone's kid isn't in a car seat when they should be or if they're trying to make their child live on a diet of nothing fair-trade, locally sourced universal energy and deep breaths––say something. Things like whether or not they rock their child to sleep, though... let's quit criticizing that, deal?
One woman on Facebook shared a story she read about in a group. The tale touched her so deeply she needed to share it with her followers.
The post talks about how people had warned this mother that rocking and cuddling her kid to sleep would lead to a "teenager still wanting to sleep in your bed." When her child was a teenager, he came to her after his first heartbreak and was able to talk, vent, cry, and finally rest. According to that mom––that teenager who "needed her" at night was beautiful.
People have debated sleeping habits for children for pretty much as long as there have been children. Some people feel like cuddling them too much is damaging to them. Others firmly believe you can't "spoil" a baby and you should give them as much love and affection as you can. Some people strongly feel you should force a child to learn to sleep alone, others think you should allow the child to develop their sense of independence in their own time. As expected, the comments reflected that debate.
There was the "boundaries and denial" crowd...
Most people thought the story - and the message - were beautiful, though.
For those of you who are cuddlers and have been told you're going to "spoil" your babies: don't stress. As long as you don't smother the child's natural need for independence when they show you they're ready––science is on your side! Cuddle away, guys.
H/T: Psychology Today, Facebook, Bored Panda