Quote:
Commons and Miller, using data Miller had worked on that was compiled by Robert A. LeVine, Roy Edward Larsen Professor of Education and Human Development, contrasted American childrearing practices with those of other cultures, particularly the Gusii people of Kenya. Gusii mothers sleep with their babies and respond rapidly when the baby cries.
"Gusii mothers watching videotapes of U.S. mothers were upset by how long it took these mothers to respond to infant crying," Commons and Miller said in their paper on the subject.
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Um, of course the Gusii are going to be upset by seeing a response to something which differs completely from their culture. Many Americans are repulsed by a culture who's women don't shave their legs or under the arms, but that doesn't make it wrong. I agree with hrdwareguy, there are times a quick response is needed and others where it becomes necessary for a kid to cry. My son fell and hurt himself. I was picking him up in less than 5 seconds after it happened. A few days later, he grabbed an item he knows he is not allowed to touch. I told him no and took it away so he started bawling. I left him alone on the floor to cry.
Okay, so the basis of the story is that by doing what I did, I'm going to cause my son,
"incidents of post-traumatic stress and panic disorders". The story states that I live in,
"a nation that doesn't like caring for its own children, a violent nation marked by loose, nonphysical relationships". Because I let my child cry when he does something bad? I find that very difficult to believe and do not plan to change a thing with my parenting. There is a balance which should be maintained between no contact and smothering and everything I read in this article reeks of smothering. If you don't maintain the balance and let them have some time to cry, I think we will end up with a bunch of adults who won't leave home because they haven't cut the apron strings from their mom or deal with the real world.