I told you so

I've mentioned a few times how much my views with regards to parenting have changed and I was reminded of that again today. A friend sent me a message to let me know that she likes reading these posts because she finds that we are quite like minded in our parenting approach. She then stated that she sometimes felt judged as well for her attachment style, most specifically around bed sharing. I instantly remembered passing judgement in the past when she mentioned that she bed shared with her toddler. She hadn't specifically mentioned me with regards to being judged, but I knew I deserved a big, fat "I told you so!" and I wouldn't have blamed her one bit. It's funny how everyone knows how to parent before they have kids of their own and this includes me. Yes, I was already raising Sarah when Ruby was born, but I missed the baby stage with her and therefore all of the baby wearing, bed sharing and obviously, breast feeding. I thought I was some sort of expert and didn't see how it was so difficult to just put your kid to bed and get on a routine. I see now that it isn't about making your child work around your routine, but instead about respecting them and their needs enough to do what it takes, regardless of how difficult or tiring that might be. I will do my very best to respect what my children need from me at all times. Period. I bed share. Judge if you must!