chapter 3-4

I have to say I find all this information very interesting and very useful in parenting. One statement I read in the book talked about how if you have a child who can't sit still and you put them in a situation where they have to sit still for a long period of time you know they will move about, but yet you expect they won't and get upset when they do. It went on to say different children are just that, different, and shouldn't be expected to act and do what the next kid does. That really hit home for me as I try and keep my rambunctious and ever exploring daughter quiet and low key....it's just not going to happen and I should try to limit exposing her to such situations that are only going to upset her and I.

I also found the "to be a baby" article very interesting. I especially like the part where the author talks about a baby being useless on purpose. At first I had no idea what that statement could mean, but it was easily explained and makes perfect sense now. For a baby to take in the world and just learn it can't have other responsibilities to worry about, and the more developed we become and our world becomes the more a baby will have to learn and take in. It is amazing how simple a concept like that is and can still be overlooked.

The information on attachment also intrigued me. I was told many times by family members to just leave my daughter be and not always hold her hand and help her through problems she encounters. They said I was spoiling her and babying her, but from what I read it just gives the child a sense of trust and allows them to explore more and learn more when they know you will be there whenever you need them. It seems to be true, because she goes and goes and goes, but as soon as she is scared or insecure I hear her holler for me and I am always there. It's still nice to be needed and also to know it is a good thing to show her I am there.

Interesting material...wishing there was more time!!

In the past week I feel as though I am living and breathing this class non stop. I am constantly checking and rechecking deadlines and trying to get done with what I can in between the rest of my life...... Other than that I have found the material very interesting and informative. I am at a point in my life where I would like to have more children and have felt that time is of the essence; the text has only confirmed my fears....I am getting older!! I feel it is important to make good healthier decisions when it comes to raising a family and that includes starting healthy habits before you even conceive. In chapter 2 especially I learned that even thought yearly 30's may be young in most of our books it is actually closing in on a deadline to have the least risk of such things as still births, Down syndrome, and low birth weights in newborns. I also learned that fathers can contribute to Down syndrome by increased age over 35 and other birth defects as well. This has been kind of alarming to me and is forcing me to consider a more structured plan to what and how I want my family to grow.

I was also intrigued by the information on stress and it's effects on baby. It was amazing to me to learn that stress in a pregnant mother can have effects on her child until age 10!! And I will also have to change some medications before considering to conceive. Apparently even the mildest of medications can have harmful effects on baby. It is great to have read this info and be even more prepared when making life plans.

Intro Post

Well, this is my first time blogging. It was easy enough to set up and am hoping it becomes a useful learning tool. I look forward to reflecting on what I learned and reading what all of you have learned through each learning plan.