The Support Group & The Cult: Is it a fine line?
May 22, 2006 by kate baggott
Filed under Baby Care, Mental Health
Breastfeeders versus bottlefeeders
The co-sleepers versus the crib fans
The cry it out crowd versus the cuddle to sleep crowd
If you’ve adopted a parenting philosophy and then found a group of like-minded parents online or in real life who hold the same philosophy, do you ever wonder if you’ve been indoctrinated into a cult while you weren’t paying attention?
Since I’ve had a second child, I don’t hold myself to the same standard that I used to and as a result. I’ve become a lot more tolerant of other people’s parenting choices. But, I still see a lot of arguments in birth clubs and online message boards that make it seem like more and more battle-lines are being drawn in the sand every day in which each party seems to repeat the mantra of everyone else on “their side.”
I used to get a real charge out of explaining my position on every parenting issue that was ever brought up. Now, though, I just don’t have the extra emotional energy. I guess all this conflict keeps the parenting gurus’ books selling though.
What about you?
As I always say, there’s no right way to parent, just a right way for every family.
Twocat,
I’d take it one step further and say there’s just a right way for each child. My daughter (our first) and older son (our second) are vastly different. In many ways it’s been like starting over as a new parent.
Nice to see I am not alone!
I agree. Before I had kids, I had no idea that Motherhood was so political. sheesh.
Isn’t it unreal?