Wisdom from Danielle Bean (via Liz!)

Many thanks to Liz for sharing this completely true bit of wisdom from Danielle Bean. I absolutely agree with this 100% and could not have said it better. I am stealing it (sharing it?)from her blog and re-posting here because I think it is so wise.

On parenting philosophies:
“Through the years I’ve read many parenting books and found much helpful wisdom in many of them, “attachment parenting” books included. My reading and experience, however, have led me to the conclusion that parenting philosophies are dangerous things. In the end I’ve rejected all the expert parenting philosophies. This isn’t because there’s anything particularly bad about any of them. Experience has simply led me to employ a different parenting philosophy in their place: my own. I call mine Do What Works Best for Your Family…. In some groups with which I’ve been associated, parenting philosophy feels almost like a pseudo religion. The implication is that following a particular set of rules will make you a good mother. In fact, they imply it so effectively that many mothers (and I have been one of them) suffer from feelings of guilt and failure when things don’t go as smoothly as the books tell them they should. Well, I already have a religion, thank you… Babies know when they are loved and cared for. They know when their mothers are relaxed and happy. So when presented with a parental challenge, go ahead and read the books, talk to the experts, and survey your playgroup. In the end, however, take and use only what works best for you and your family. Toss the rest… and the guilt along with it.”

From Mom to Mom, Day to Day Advice & Support for Catholic Living, by Danielle Bean