Monday, October 15, 2007

To read or not to read? That is the question.



I have to say that reading books about how to raise children, how to get them on eating/sleeping schedules, and how to keep them awake has made me quite the anxious first time parent. These books have all been very informative, and while I'd like to have a perfect scheduled day where everything goes perfect, I don't believe that a perfect day is realistic. Thus these books sometimes make me feel like I'm not doing something right, or that there is something wrong with my child. I'm sure that is not the intent of the author and the authors mention that each child is different, so why am I so worried that I'm not doing things the best way I can? People had told me before reading the books to take what I like from them and leave the rest, but after reading, reading, and reading some more, I'm just confused and can't decide what tactic I like, and no matter how hard I try to go by my motherly instincts....I still doubt myself. I believe knowledge is power, hence the reason why I am reading books. Now I just have to figure out what to take and what to leave. I try to continue reminding myself that as long as my child is growing normally and healthily, everything will just work out. :)

6 comments:

jularun7 said...

sometimes i just think i'd like to do it blindfolded! ah! see you tonight ...!

Courtney said...

Oh, I'm sorry. Books can be so bad like that. I personally don't like those two. I like "Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child" and "The Happiest Baby on the Block" Spencer is a cranky baby and those worked like magic on him.

Jen said...

I have The Secrets of the Baby Whisperer. It has some great points to it, in fact, I really do like the idea of the EASY program. But I also think it is important to take things in stride. Life is so much busier these days for most people, I think, & so you have to know that the "routine/schedule" is going to get interupted every now & then. My best advice is: take it a day at a time. I think if you get too caught up in "the book says this" it makes parenting a lot harder. I am sure you are doing a great job! Remember that experience is just as good a way to gain knowledge as reading, etc.! :)
Love,
Jen Mortensen

Krista said...

Hi Lindsey! Congrats on the pretty little babe! It's so weird...i had a random dream about telling you you should get a blog and voila! I'm addicted. Welcome to the blogging world...I'll be checking back!

Kira Thunell said...

Hey Linds, I went through that phase too and loved to read, read, and read. I read Baby Wise and didn't love it too much but like you I took out of it what worked for Jax. Then I read Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child and felt better about things. Truly, you are doing the right thing and taking what you need and applying it to Sarah's cues. I know you are the bestest and cutest mommy. It's not easy but it definitely is worth it :) I really don't think anybody gets it right the first time, honestly, you just do your best. And if you do get it right, could you please pass it on to me! Smooches!

Jennifer Phillips said...

Hey Lady I need to get a blog set up for Seth and I but I have no idea how you go about doing it, you'll have to clue me in. So anyway I was thinking, I'm not a parent yet but I think that reading is good, I use to be really opposed to it at first because I felt like if anything we get to much information and then moms and dads don't know what to do because they are overloaded with so many different ideas, but now I think that it's good to read different things and take what you like from them. I have read both of those books not to mention 4 others and each one contradicts the other, so you just take it for what it's worth and that's an opinion. If those things work then great but don't let it stress you out I am sure you are doing great.