Co-sleeping is likely more prevalent than you realize. In today’s parenting landscape, it seems easier to confess to certain parenting “misdeeds” — “I let my child binge on cartoons,” “I secretly enjoy the peace when they’re at school,” or “When my kid refuses to wear a jacket, I think it’s funny when they get chilly.” These admissions often garner knowing nods and supportive laughter from fellow parents. However, some choices, such as co-sleeping, are still shrouded in stigma and often left unspoken.
In her book, Co-Sleeping: Parents, Children, and Musical Beds, Dr. Lisa Johnson, a professor at the University of Iowa, interviewed 51 co-sleeping parents and discovered that nearly half of them refrained from discussing their practice with family or pediatricians due to societal pressure and judgment. While this sample size is small, it wouldn’t be surprising if a similar trend held true among many co-sleeping families.
The American Academy of Pediatrics advises against bed-sharing due to its links to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related fatalities. Nonetheless, for every cautionary tale, there’s a counterpoint advocating for the practice. Notably, in their editorial for the L.A. Times, Harvard scholars Mia and Tom Richards highlight that in Japan, co-sleeping is the norm, yet the country’s infant mortality rate remains impressively low, with SIDS occurring at half the rate seen in the U.S.
The notion that sharing a bed with an infant is perilous isn’t universally accepted. When examining global parenting practices, it’s worth questioning why American norms differ. As Dr. Johnson remarked to a parenting blog, “American society doesn’t embrace a communal approach to parenting. It’s a culture driven by individualism, where parents feel personally accountable for their child’s every misstep.”
While the debate about bed-sharing predominantly targets infants, parents of older children who co-sleep also face scrutiny. Articles like “The Risks of Co-Sleeping with Older Kids and Tips for Transitioning” in the Huffington Post suggest bed-sharing may lead to issues like diminished self-reliance, social difficulties, and heightened marital tensions. With such intense criticism, it’s no wonder some parents prefer to keep their co-sleeping habits under wraps.
If bed-sharing doesn’t appeal to you, that’s perfectly valid. However, if you’re a fan of cuddling up with your little one at night, go ahead! This isn’t about questioning whether you’re an abusive parent; it’s simply a matter of sharing a bed with your child. A broader perspective on global parenting methods might encourage more acceptance of varied choices among friends and family.
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In summary, the practice of co-sleeping remains a contentious subject among parents, caught between cultural norms and personal choices. While some find comfort in sharing their bed with their children, societal pressures can lead to silence on the matter. Ultimately, understanding and acceptance of diverse parenting practices can foster a more supportive community.
Keyphrase: co-sleeping and parental secrecy
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