New Research My Foot

Don't you just love how new moms love to quote what 'new research' shows? Yeah, neither do I. As a matter of fact, if they'd stop reading all the 'new research' and pay attention to their little ones, they'd realize that very little of this research is new at all. It's what observant moms have always known. And they've known it because they were students of their children.

New research shows, for example---

• Moms are the most tired people in a family 
• Separation from mother stresses babies
• There are clues in babies' crying
• Babies understand more than parents think they do
• Honey can provide comfort from coughing in children
• New labor positions to try

The list goes on. And on.

My question is this: Are you kidding me? THIS is NEW research? I don't think so. 

I'm not saying that there isn't any research out there that isn't helpful. Certainly, there is. I, for one, am a fan of the research showing the relationship between health problems/syndromes/disorders and nutrition. But it's not NEW research. I am a fan of the holistic/natural/organic movement in health and nutrition. But it's not NEW research either. 

I guess it's good if there are really that many young mothers out there who are totally clueless. But, I just don't think that there are. I'm pretty sure that a lot of them know how to pay attention and learn to read the signs. Or maybe the 'experts' conducting these 'studies' are smarter than all of us put together and have discovered how to get rich off our stupidity.

I read one article relating the number of fast food commercials children between the ages of 2 and 5 see on television and childhood obesity. Really? THAT'S their concern? I have to wonder why we're not asking, "What the hell is your little kid doing in front of the television?!"

They are asking companies to stop targeting preschoolers. I'm asking the parents to stop putting their kids in front of the television.

I admit that I am a bit disturbed that parents need to be told such things as children need ample sleep. Seriously. Who doesn't know this?

Touch your infants more. Touch your infants less. Breastfeed your baby. Don't breastfeed your baby. Use cloth diapers. Use Pampers. Use plastic bottles. Use glass bottles. Drink wine. Don't drink wine. Caffeine is ok. Caffeine is not ok.

There are always going to be at least two sides to everything. It's a wonder new parents' heads aren't in a constant whirlpool. It's even a greater wonder that they continue to read and write about all these studies.

I've said it before and I'll say it again. And again. And again.

Pay attention to your children. From birth. AND LEARN.