Tell me Im doing the right thing!

[Harmony83]

I was feeling pretty confident with my parenting - UNTIL the dreaded mil stayed for a week... She is actually not that bad, but some of her comments got to me!
I have always just followed my DS (13mths), eg. if he didn't eat something I gave him, I'd try something else, I'd go to him if he cries, I comfort when he hurts himself, I comfort him to sleep - rocking or bottle or both. Anyway she kept coming up with comments that he is manipulating me because I always give in to him, and that when her kids were that age they were in bed by 7.30pm if they cried they stayed there, if they didn't eat what she gave them they went without, and they played on there own blah blah blah. Am I doing the right thing, am I spoiling him, should I start being a bit stricter??? Do you think a 13 month old can manipulate or does that come later?? Help Im so confused?!?!

[reAllytee]

Oh honestly what is it with MIL's :banghead:
Mine always told us we were spoiling bubs because we would go to him when he cried as a newborn !!!! WTH ?!?!?!?! He is a newborn im not letting him cry thanks !

Honestly if this routine or the likes is what works for you & makes you happy then go with it !
I know my mum only ever followed the "eat what you are given" bit when we were a lot older say 5yrs but i know she had to do this once with my eldest sister when she was 18mths because she had decided she only wanted milk & no food so totally different !
I often sit down with bubs for lunch & offer him vegies or the likes but if he refuses it i just make him up a sandwich with some dried fruit to which he sits & plays with & eats when he wants makes us both happier for it !
I still often rock bubs to sleep or if he wakes through the nite give him cuddles because its what he wants & it soothes him why should i deny him comfort when my MIL thinks its wrong ?
We tend to stick to a bedtime routine which means Harry is in bed by 7pm but thats because he is a cranky bum otherwise & its what works for us.
Follow what works for you your hubby & bubs !
You know best after all because your the mum !
Good luck your doing a great job :hugs:

[steph_alyssa]

i really don't think a 13 month old would be a manipulative at all. However it is really easy to get into habits and sooo hard to change them. I also rock my baby to sleep and i know i can't do it forever but HOW DO U STOP!!!! but i love watching her fall asleep in my arms, u would know exactly what i mean. Everyone uses different parenting techniques because everyones children are different. Sounds like your MIL used tough love!! I don't see why u shouldn't comfort him if he cries or hurts himself, otherwise won't he just get hysterical and end up vomiting everywhere?? If your bub is happy then i guess that is all that really matters!! Sorry i haven't been all that helpful, i just think you are doing a wonderful job with your little boy and u know what is best for him :hugs:

[Elfin]

I think you are doing a wonderful job, you are following your instincts and meeting your child's needs. If it feels right for your family, then go for it and ignore any criticism.:)

[shed]

What Easterlily said.

[razzle]

Yes, you're doing the right thing. If it works for your child - you're always doing the right thing. :)