Tuesday, February 19, 2008

I was a bad mommy today...

At the insistance of others (who will remain nameless) I let Jonah "cry it out" to go down for a nap. We were not at home and he was very tired. I almost buckled after 10 minutes but they made me leave the house promising that he'd be asleep when I got back...he wasnt. I should also mention that this was the awful ugly crying, the kind that causes chest heaves and makes me think someone is performing a exorcism on him in his room. After 35 of the most horrible minutes of both of our lives I could stand it no longer. I apologized to my boy several times and walked him till we calmed down. Please rest assured that Jonah B is safely in the arms of Gramma (Di) today, mommy is in time out.

I know we all have different parenting strategies and I found today that "crying it out" is definitely not mine for Jonah. I'm not upset at the ones who encoraged me to try a different method. It was ultimately my choice and I should have listened to my mommy instinct. He goes sleep very easily and usually without tears at home and at Gramma's. Yesterday he just happened to be over tired in unsure surroundings and I should have been more sensitive to that.

I don't mind if some think my baby will be a brat, I'm OK with that. Thank you for listening.

6 comments:

they keep me laughing said...

I admit, I am the one "who shall remain nameless". lol Hey, crying it out never hurt my kids! You can hardly ever see signs of their emotional abuse, and after I leave them somewhere, they eventually quit screaming and throwing their bodies all around. What? Crying is good for them! Right?.....

Kelle said...

I never judge anyone who does the cry-it-out method as they all have wonderful children, but I have found my most precious moments are in the five minutes of rocking L to sleep. She's so good at going to sleep, and I cherish those sweet times!

Tisha said...

I agree Kelle, those are my same sentiments. If my next one is not as good at going to sleep I might have to "ferberize" him/her, but I hope not.

Carin said...

tasha...I think you and I would get along. haha.

honestly, tisha...so much of parenting has been trial and error (poor kids!). keep following your gut and sweet baby j will be just fine.

Carin said...

sydney sucked her thumb! these pics are precious. I wish I had more pics of my babies sleeping. it goes so fast. soak it up.

they keep me laughing said...

So you're a tough mommy too, huh, Carin? :) Love it! I'm glad I'm not the only "mean" mom in the world. I was beginning to feel guilty. Yes, you and I sound like we would get along just fine! :)