3 years ago, when I was a new mom to my little baby, I could have told you exactly what kind of parent I was. I was a, cloth diapering, breastfeeding, baby crib sleeping, scheduling, stay-at-home-Mom. I liked my little box, and honestly had a difficult time understanding why someone would do it differently than the way I did.
I was a bit shallow and just didn’t really have a good understanding of what motherhood meant back then. I recently admitted that I was judgmental of other mothers who did it differently. I was sweet to their face, but judged behind their back. I’m not proud of this at all, and am kind of appalled at myself that I was like that. I discovered that I did this because I was anxious about how I was parenting and I felt better when someone did it like I did..it made me feel secure.
But, as I grew into my role as a mother, and read more blogs and parenting articles, I changed. I realized that I no longer fit into a little box.
I am so much more than what that little box can hold.
I take a little bit from On Becoming Baby Wise, as well as the more gentle Attachment Parenting
. I love the philosophy behind RIE
and positive parenting, but I also follow some Love And Logic techniques. I’ve taken a little from each and wove it all together, with the knowledge I already have, and I’ve made something that works beautifully with my family.
I can’t say that what I’m doing always works, because it doesn’t, but my husband and I make changes when we need to.
I’ve decided that I don’t really fit into any one group and I don’t follow any one philosophy…
I’m a hybrid.
I’ve also realized that most parents are hybrids too. We’re all have different viewpoints on children, different philosophies, and backgrounds, so we are all going to do it differently. We’re all trying to find our own formula that will work for our families.
Sure, there maybe all sorts of parenting books, experts, and child development philosophies out there, but none of them get it right for everyone.
I’m proud to be a hybrid…are you?
I agree I’m a hybrid too. A try to pick the best of what I think will work for my family.
How did I miss this one? Hybrids are the best parts of everything! 😉