Co-sleeping is likely more prevalent than one might assume. In today’s parenting landscape, many parents are willing to admit to various “infractions,” such as allowing their children to spend too much time in front of screens or secretly relishing in moments of solitude away from their kids. Yet, when it comes to co-sleeping, a practice that involves sharing a bed with one’s child, many remain tight-lipped.
In her book, Co-Sleeping: Parents, Children, and Musical Beds, Dr. Emily Chang of the University of Nebraska conducted interviews with 51 parents engaged in co-sleeping. Surprisingly, she found that approximately half of them refrained from discussing this practice with relatives or pediatricians, largely due to the stigma attached to it. While this sample size is relatively small, it suggests that many co-sleeping families may feel similarly hesitant to disclose their habits.
The American Academy of Pediatrics advises against bed-sharing due to its correlations with Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related fatalities among infants. However, for every warning issued, there exists a compelling counterargument. For instance, in an opinion piece for The New York Times, Professors Alex and Jamie Roberts from Yale University highlight that in countries like Japan, where co-sleeping is the norm, the infant mortality rate is significantly lower than in the United States, with SIDS rates approximately halved.
The notion that co-sleeping poses inherent dangers is not universally accepted. It raises the question of whether Western parenting norms, such as insisting that children sleep in separate rooms, are indeed justified. “Unfortunately,” Dr. Chang noted in an interview, “American culture often does not embrace a communal approach to parenting, which can lead to a sense of isolation among parents who feel solely responsible for their child’s well-being.”
While most discussions surrounding co-sleeping focus on infants, parents of older children who share their beds may also feel a burden of stigma. Articles, like one featured in The Washington Post titled “The Risks of Co-Sleeping With School-Aged Children,” connect bed-sharing with issues like a lack of independence, potential self-esteem issues, and marital strain. It’s no wonder that many are reluctant to admit to this practice.
If bed-sharing isn’t something you support, we completely respect that. Conversely, if you find value in co-sleeping, that’s perfectly valid too. This is not about child abuse; it simply concerns the choice to share a bed with your child. A broader examination of global parenting practices may lead us to a more accepting perspective on the choices of others. For more insights, you might want to check out this post about home insemination kits that could provide additional context on personal choices in parenting.
In summary, while co-sleeping remains a contentious topic, it is evident that many parents feel the need to hide their practices due to societal pressures. As discussions around parenting evolve, it is crucial to approach such topics with understanding and openness.
Keyphrase: co-sleeping practices among parents
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