Do you still research the other side?

[onthefly]

yes. when making parenting decision we should be informed, first and foremost, by our children.
science and evidence can also be helpful

[Ca Plane Pour Moi]

I don't have a philosophy of parenting, other than "don't screw it up as much as your mother did", which is a remarkably easy and guilt-free parenting ride for me. So I research other methods, as I have no clue how to parent otherwise. And as a teacher, I need to know various ways of relating to children. I use some parenting techniques on some classes that wouldn't work on Liebling - and some teacher techniques on Liebs that don't work with some of my classes. Hmm, wonder if I can leave my 13 year olds to just cry it out in a lab while I have some coffee? I don't really read other forums, but do read the odd parenting book, fall about laughing, then not buy it. Including ones people on here love.

But I tend to just go with the flow and enjoy time with my son. He seems pretty well-balanced with good life skills so far, so I'm not too worried.

[Arcadia]

Hmmm....it depends on the topic. In many areas of life I like to look around and balance out facts and opinion and weigh up my ideas, but with parenting, I do tend to stay within the gentle parenting view. I think the mainstream media offer enough of a counter to my own ideas without going looking for them. I have no useful way of assimilating an antihomebirth blog for example. It would make me sad and angry, because I wouldn't ever write an anti-everything else birth blog. Extremes are not my style. Birth has many faces, and for me home birth was MY optimal choice, but I had a lot of other plans too.

I like hearing others experiences and I love the diversity of our own lives here on bb and going to a mainstream forum doesnt appeal to me. Does that mean I'm closed off to other ideas? No, because I think I have enough of mainstream and other ideas through mothers group, media, family and friends.

I already feel like a bit of a freak, so I need bb to help reaffirm my ideas. I think there's a time and place for questioning and a place for validation. Bb is a place of validation for me (although I know it's a place of questioning for others).

[Maruschke]

I already feel like a bit of a freak, so I need bb to help reaffirm my ideas. I think there's a time and place for questioning and a place for validation. Bb is a place of validation for me (although I know it's a place of questioning for others).

It can be really validating to read the other side and see the flaws and weakness of their position. It's just a quiet internal nod at your own approach.

[Miss E]

Yes, I do. Not for all things, but where there are big decisions to be made (extended breast feeding, solids, immunisation, circumcision, VBAC etc etc etc). Personally, I feel that I can't make an informed decision if I am only educating myself on one side of the argument. I need to fully understand both sides before I can make a choice. And in a couple of instances, I have actually ended up going the opposite way to what I thought I would initially.

But when it comes to general parenting techniques, BB is pretty much my core source of information. I do also read parenting books, but so far they've only been ones that have been recommended by other members here.

[meow]

It can be really validating to read the other side and see the flaws and weakness of their position. It's just a quiet internal nod at your own approach.

I guess I just don't need that. I prefer to surround myself with positive energy and affirmations. I don't want to read about the person who let their teeny baby to CIO or why women who don't have epidurals are idiots. I've got more important things to spend my time on.

As for when I'm researching a major decision such as diet, immunisation, education etc then I certainly do read all points of view.

[Tegam]

I guess I just don't need that. I prefer to surround myself with positive energy and affirmations. I don't want to read about the person who let their teeny baby to CIO or why women who don't have epidurals are idiots. I've got more important things to spend my time on.

As for when I'm researching a major decision such as diet, immunisation, education etc then I certainly do read all points of view.

^^^^^^^^This is one cool and beautiful mum^^^^^

[Maruschke]

I guess I just don't need that. I prefer to surround myself with positive energy and affirmations. I don't want to read about the person who let their teeny baby to CIO or why women who don't have epidurals are idiots. I've got more important things to spend my time on.

As for when I'm researching a major decision such as diet, immunisation, education etc then I certainly do read all points of view.

And that's OK. We all need / feed off / desire different things.

Much love xoxo