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Sorry to harp, but about the climbing -- I don't believe you 'teach' an infant to climb and descend. It comes naturally, and it's something the baby has to learn for him/herself. And, surely, they will. My philosophy is to never put my babies in situations they can't get into, and especially out of, themselves. That includes swings, slides etc. If they can get up and down by themselves, this instills physical confidence and coordination. If parents step  in to assist (beyond spotting them for safety), then they get a false sense of security. Just my opinion.

I must say, I read a lot of blogs but don't have one of my own. I think it's great that BKids is promoting others, though. The more conversation, the better.

I love this site.

This post (http://bit.ly/bZZlrr) is so TRUE because it addresses a parenting nuture issue beyond building an athlete, poet, musician or mathematician. It speaks to inner happiness and contentment, which is surely what we're all after. And, of course, success will follow. 

I know I'm sharing with the choir here, but there's some good advice for NEW moms to avoid the obvious temptation of mindless TV as opposed to educational video to entertain your LO and get some 'me' time. Don't do it. The only reason to turn on the tube is if there's a learning opportunity (and that does not include Barney/Nick/Disney/etc..)  http://Http://bit.ly/c8EozA

It's so difficult, but really -- when you consider muscle development etc -- it's all a struggle, and our babies are innately prepared for it. The more we step in, the less they learn and progress (physically, mentally, emotionally).

I'm pimping my (non commercial) parenting guru again, but this is a great post about allowing your  LO to struggle and achieve w/out intervening and robbing him/her of the thrill of success. http://Http://bit.ly/bXxoPj

My older girl definitely shows the results -- authentic, confident, a real achiever. I was at this class this post refers to, and it was hiliarious to see all the kids putting  themselves in situations and exclaiming: 'stuck!'...

It's the toughest thing in the world to watch your kid struggle with something and not dive in to help out, but it's soooo rewarding to them when they figure it out for themselves. The fact is, babies don't see 'struggle' as something bad, just a challenge to be overcome.

I don't think one can really 'convince' anyone about any type of parenting. It's only when you become a parent that you see what feels normal to you and what comes naturally.
I did attachment parenting without even knowing what it was. But if it did not occur to me than sleeping with or near my newborn was more enjoyable then having her down the hallway, no amount of reading wouuld have changed my opinion.

Well said, Hypatia. I feel the same way and believe most parents do as well.

I am very pro-AP... for the most part. But not because a 'Dr.' cleverly decided to coin the term and market it. We all know instinctively an attached baby is a happier, healthier baby, and probably grows to be a well-adjusted, confident child. But sometimes, it can be taken to an extreme. For instance, I know instinctively that babies need time on their own to discover their bodies rather than being strapped to mine all day. And some babies can't quite figure out how to 'un-attach'. There's a short letter here from a mom with that problem, and advice: http://bit.ly/biC1Q3

I always try to remember that I'm doing the most important, PRODUCTIVE job of all -- caring for my kids. It's not easy in the moment, often incredibly hard and even demoralizing... but I am quite sure that I won't be on my death bed regretting that I spent too much time with my kids.

Be well.

Nice site. Very comprehensive. Thanks!

Twinergy! Once again... you're all over it. I hope you're publishing somewhere? 

This will not be helpful to you, but we waited 4 years between kids (3), the idea being that by 4, the child has been out of the nest a bit, knows the parents will be there when he/she returns, has become his/her own person to a certain extent and has friends outside the family unit.... It still rocks the child's world to have a new sibling, but since they're a little older, the transition is easier because at least they understand the concept. And they have friends who have other siblings and even yearn for that relationship to a certain extent.

Another article called "The S Word" is on the same site Twinergy refers to. 'Share' is a bad word to kids. It just means they have to 'give it up'. Some good advice and insight on sharing here: http://bit.ly/9v2QKX

I can't imagine any reason to bring an infant to the dentist until most of the baby teeth are in. They're just going to come out, and the permanent teeth are the only ones that matter, so unless your infant/toddler has pain, or a new tooth is growing under the baby tooth which won't exit gracefully, what's the point?

The 'what to expect' books are great and universal. For great infant care info, my go-to is 'Elevating Child Care' at http://bit.ly/92q4Ec