5.22.2006
clash of parentizations
One of the sisters-in-law was visiting, and before she left today, she was giving a clinic in child-rearing. I think she was most appalled by baby's bedtime hour. You see, sister-in-law has read all the books, and feels strongly about the Bedtime Ritual and other Keys to Success. And I was willing to go along--the first night she had baby fed, bathed, and asleep by 9:30. There was one waking, but mostly she slept through the night. Husband and I sat on the sofa, somewhat shocked not to have a child with us, and tried to think of things to say to each other.
This was not to be a pattern, and every night since then I have been up and down again and again with baby, who is less settled than ever. But it was a nice idea.
More interesting were sister-in-law's choices to give baby (1) a pen, which she managed to open (we still haven't gotten all of the ink marks off her thigh); (2) a plastic bag (you know, as a toy); and (3) a postcard, which baby nibbled on and regurgitated, as is her wont.
Chalk this one up to cultural relativism? In any event, baby loves her auntie, and we were sad to see her go.
This was not to be a pattern, and every night since then I have been up and down again and again with baby, who is less settled than ever. But it was a nice idea.
More interesting were sister-in-law's choices to give baby (1) a pen, which she managed to open (we still haven't gotten all of the ink marks off her thigh); (2) a plastic bag (you know, as a toy); and (3) a postcard, which baby nibbled on and regurgitated, as is her wont.
Chalk this one up to cultural relativism? In any event, baby loves her auntie, and we were sad to see her go.
