clavus

I think the "family bed" is unhealthy for kids, and displays a weakness of character in parents and is damaging to a marriage.

I hear parents put forth two arguments in favor of it.

1) "I do it, and it works for our kid".
Well, I'm glad it has worked for you so far. I hope it continues to work. I've seen a number of kids who are fucked up, and their parents say they are just fine. I've talked to a number of husbands who HATE having their kids in bed with them, but don't talk about it with their wives.

2) "Throughout most of history, people have slept in the family bed."
This a classic fallacy. I think its called "Appeal to History." Anytime one employs this argument, they immediately lose some credibility. Just because something has been done in the past doesn't make it the best way to do something. For most of human history, we didn't use immunizations (or antibiotics, for that matter).

That said, you made an excellent point when you stated - "The fact is, none of us know why the mom still sleeps in the same bed as her son." Further investigation is needed, and the true reason may never be revealed.

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