Click on the above link to read this post by Jessica on http://www.kidspot.com.au
‘If you’re questioning the rightness of your desire to pick up your baby when he cries, or lie beside him as he falls to sleep, read this.’
If you are a parent or care-giver – or know one – this is a vital read. We see many adults at this service, who are experiencing the seriously harmful effects of parenting informed by beliefs around encouraging ‘self reliance’ or ‘self-soothing’ in babies, by ignoring crying.
This advice is flat-out wrong, although it is given by many people – including ‘health professionals’ – who one might hope would know better. It does a huge disservice to children – and, of course, to parents who have no wish to cause harm and falsely believe they are being helpful to their children.
Cuddle your child if they want that in the night, co-sleep if it works for your family, respond to need – at any age – with love, connection, contact, empathy and authentic relationship. That’s what we all need.
Palace Gate Counselling Service, Exeter
Counselling in Exeter since 1994
Palace Gate Counselling Service Blog 