Like many parents-to-be, especially adoptive parents who can wait many years, I spent a lot of time researching how to parent. I have noticed a few changes to my carefully formed philosophies after one month with twins, and wanted to take some time to share my new-found expertise.
Before babies:
Never let your baby cry. Babies don't cry for no reason; if they are fed and dry then they are crying from fear or confusion, and to let you know they need some attention and love. It is impossible to "spoil" a baby.
After babies:
Buy yourself a good pair of earplugs. If you want your baby to stop crying instantly, just unplug the baby monitor.
Before babies:
Never put your baby to bed with a bottle. This causes ear infections and tooth decay. The process of feeding your baby is an essential part of the development of attachment and a wonderful time for the two of you to bond.
After babies:
Invest in a wide variety of stuffed animals that you can use to prop the bottle in the crib and go back to bed.
Before babies:
Never let your baby watch television. It can interfere with the development of normal depth perception and can cause attention deficit disorder as the child becomes accustomed to constant stimulation and change in the images around him.
After babies:
Action movies with lots of gun fights will buy you the most time, but just about anything loud and/or musical will work.
Before babies:
Limit visitors in your first few months with your child, especially if adopted. This will give him a chance to learn who his parent(s) are as you are the one(s) that is always there to meet his needs.
After babies:
Beg everyone you know to come for a visit, including friends of friends and people you haven't seen since high school. As soon as they arrive shove a baby in their arms and go have a nap.
Before babies: By eight months your child should be introduced to a variety of appropriate foods from the four food groups: Iron-fortified formula, baby cereal and other grain products, pureed meat and alternatives, and soft, cooked, mashed fruits and vegetables.
After babies: There are actually five food groups that your baby will be delighted to sample: Formula, dirt, pet hair, electrical cords, and cookies.
Hope this helps. I really should write a book.
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