Should parents let babies cry it out for better sleep?
Child-rearing is a sticky subject: one that will drive people to shout, scream and preach about the right and wrong ways to do it. I don't believe anyone has the perfect answer. But that doesn't stop people from debating it! Articles like this pose a big question for parenting. Is it effective to let a child "cry it out" for a better night sleep? Or should parents be co-sleeping with their babies?One method points to something called "ferberizing." Many people may consider this tough love, but Dr. Ferber begs to differ. He states that leaving a baby to cry by itself is not recommended by his system. Instead, he suggests using his time chart for crying only when all other possible solutions have been exhausted. In other words, "ferberizing" should be used to try and fix severe sleeping problems with a baby.
Other people don't identify with his methods. Instead, they co-sleep with their child. Call it attachment parenting if you will, but this basically is the opposite of Ferber's system. Parents and baby share a bed, but they say parents need to have a clearly defined end for this stage. Controversies aside, this seems like an argument that can't be solved using one definite practice over another. As any parent will tell you, every child is different and should be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.

Can crying be good for you? Over at
Unfortunately, teary eyes and tantrums are a very common part of a child's earliest years. Around the first birthday, it is common for kids to develop separation anxiety, getting upset when a parent tries to leave them with someone else. Separation anxiety occurs when a child is fearful of being left with someone else. While these feelings are normal, parents may not know how to react when a child becomes this upset. Understanding what your child is going through and having a few coping strategies in mind can go a long way toward helping both of you get through it. Here's a few helpful hints to help ease those tantrums.
I know this may seem like a strange topic but I've been thinking lately about the benefits of crying. As an emotional, Type-A person, I cry about twice a month. Nothing dramatic or depressing; just a good old-fashioned cry. It's the perfect release valve on my pressure-cooker life, enabling me to take a moment to check in, clear my head and craft a new game plan. 








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