I am DZOI

Parenting in the 50’s

Okay, I just have to blog about this.

I forgot the TV show exactly but it was on Lifestyle Network last night. It’s a parenting show where three different couples will follow three types of parenting. If I remember correctly, the parenting styles were:

1. out of sight, out of mind. strict schedule and routines

2. baby spock, follow your instincts

3. continuum, babywearing

The three couples with newborn babies will be guided by three experts. The two experts were okay, maybe because they’re more of the there’s-no-limit-on-how-you-should-hold-your-baby and the babywearing types. They go for co-sleeping, following your child’s demands and schedules, breastfeeding and cuddling 24/7. The third however, was a parenting expert from hell. Now please don’t think that I didn’t like the third expert just because I don’t agree to her ways. I’m always open to other methods like ferber, routines, etc even if I fail to do them. What shocked me about her is this specific style of parenting.

Are you ready?

Every morning, a kid, newborn or toddler should be left alone for two hours outside. Whether it’s a porch, a garden or whatever, just make sure that the babies are all bundled up and that they won’t be able to escape. Apparently, this method has been proven since 1950 to make the babies sleep better at night. So back to the scene, the expert told the couple to put their one day old baby outside their porch. It was cold and the mother was hesitant but she was too weak to protest. The expert then said, “Close the door. You shouldn’t hear or see her. Out of sight and out of mind is good.” Que Horror! So you’re just supposed to forget that you have a kid? What if a cat, dog or a squirrel happen to pass by and decides to jump on the stroller??? WTF. I’m telling you, that’s cruel. I don’t care if it makes your kid healthy or sleep longer. You suck if you can put your one-day-old baby outside (and did I mention alone?) without even thinking about her safety. Seriously. The expert mentioned these words when the babywearing pro expert asked her what the point of having a child was:

There are mothers who just want to go back to their old life once they had a kid. So you set the rules, routines, the schedules. Don’t let your baby take over your life. You can just pretend that the baby does not exist.

You old hag. We’re talking about a one day old baby here. Even the stitches from labor hurts for a week and you’re supposed to forget a baby for a couple of hours just so you can continue with your old life?

I honestly think that strict routines have merits. The problem is the schedule and maximum limit on how long you should hold your baby. Whenever she looks at her watch when the mother is taking too long holding her baby, it made me want to use a festool drill on her head to see what’s inside. She couldn’t pissibly be that heartless.