I feel like a horrible crap of a parent as I leave Gav screaming while I try and make dinner, do dishes, help Bryce with homework and get them both baths and ready for bed. I'm up all night because suddenly Gavin doesn't want to sleep in his bed anymore and wants to be held throughout the night. And then Dad comes home and he's a perfect angel. You've got to be kidding me!
Believe me I have heard it over and over from others how spoiled a baby he is. That I hold him too much. That he needs to cry it out so he realizes he can't be held all the time. That I shouldn't pick him up again until he stops crying. Are you kidding me?!?!
This child does not cry it out. He doesn't cry himself to sleep. He doesn't calm down when I lay a hand on his belly or back. And do not ask me if I have done it long enough or waited enough time. Are you kidding me?!? Yes I have waited. Yes! Yes! Yes! Do I seem like I am the type of person who just gives in??
I don't fold over easy. But this is a 6 month old child we are talking about here. Crying for longer than 30 minutes is beyond excessive to me. It isn't killing me to pick him up and let him know he's not abandoned or unloved. I'm not training him, this is my child. My child will know he is loved.
Do I think my way is right?? Well I think it's right for me. It's right for my kids. Bryce is not Gavin and Gavin is not Bryce. But they both know they are loved and I hope that's because I adjusted to their personalities, even as babies to let them know they are loved.
So far Bryce is amazing child. I constantly hear how well behaved he is. He's not perfect. But he's loved. And that makes him happy which leads to him having good character. If it worked for Bryce then let's hope it works for Gavin.
