Heads up: This post is 14 years old. My thinking may have evolved since then — read it with that in mind.
I just saw our helper holding 5 months old baby girl S, sitting on her lap watching TV!
Here’s another example of different of opinions between my wife and I. While I think it is horrible holding a baby up, not to mention watching TV!! My wife thinks it’s OK, because “she’s not doing anything anyway.”
Yeah, when you hold a baby on your lap, she really isn’t doing anything! You’re robbing her of precious play time she could be having if she was laying flat on her back. I realize it’s a weird thing to say, but leave the baby alone! I’m definitely the weird minority here, not only because of RIE but also because I’m a guy! For us, reading other RIE parents’ struggle is a helpful reminder that we’re not alone! Just read this on Janet Lansbury’s blog yesterday – Parenting Against The Grain – One Family’s Personal Struggle and Triumph
Having said that however, I am encountering a contradicting problem. S has gotten so used to being held, being put into the stroller and rolled around, and soothed by the helper’s rocking and putting a pacifier in her mouth… she doesn’t seem to enjoy laying on the floor too much. Well, she enjoys it, but not for long. I’m afraid the same “lack of patience and perseverance” problem is already being manifested in her! What should I do?!