27.3.07
Baby CriesI have been seeing a lot of talk lately about baby cries. The whole controversy about letting you little one 'cry it out' and feeling so guilty when you don't jump up and respond right away. My opinion on this is a little more relaxed them most, from what I can tell. It seems that most Moms feel guilty hearing their little one cry. Well, maybe this is for my own sanity, but I don't see it that way.
I think that Hayden's crying is simply his chosen method of communication. When he is in bed crying, he is not saying "I hate you, you are so mean to me, I am so neglected." In my opinion, he is saying "get me out of here, I want attention, I am not ready to sleep." Or, when he is eating a meal he is saying "I hate potatoes, give me some of the blueberries."
If I had a toddler who was laying in bed saying those things, I wouldn't go in and let him come out. Bed time is just one of the rules. If my toddler only wants to eat blueberries, I will try my best to not allow that. So why, do people feel so guilty when the infant chooses crying instead of talking. There are still rules and routines in a household.
One thing I know about Hayden that makes me feel this way is that he does not hold a grudge. I can let him cry in bed in the morning for a bit because I just am not ready to get up and I still find that when I go get him he is smiling. He still loves me and gives me that big grin that I always get when I go in after his naps or in the morning. It is one of my favourite times as a parent. He hasn't decided to punish me or let me know what a bad Mom I am.
Now, this is all my opinion and solely based on my experience with Hayden, but, I want other Moms to give up some of that guilt.
