Parent and Child relationship

[ChrisCountryGirl]

I just want some opinions on this subject. How do you feel when parents choose to prop a baby's bottle with a blanket instead of holding the baby to feed him or her. Do you feel it may cause some long-term effects on the child's relationship with the parents?

Chris

[Damian]

In my opinion, and I have four children, I don't think I've ever even considered doing that in favour of having a cuddle.

I do understand however that babies especially can push you right up to the edge of madness. I've actually read that this is when they first learn to smile as a reaction to the parents frustration and stress - believe me when you see that first smile all the stress just flows right out of your whole being.

I don't know what the long-term effects are but I have had friends who have come from families who don't show physical affection such as hugs and kisses at all - and they've always seemed much colder and withdrawn.

Whereas I came from a family (mother, father, aunts, uncles, cousins included) that is very affectionate and this too has always seemed strange and overwhelming to friends of mine. The majority of my family in comparison are warm and extrovert individuals.

But having said that I wouldn't want to enforce my ways on anybody else and I'm not in the game of judging anyone else's outlook or upbringing.

I know which way I prefer though and I cuddle my children at every opportunity

Take care

[Jill]

Depends on the age of the baby as well as their temperament.

My oldest didn't particularly like to be held, so even while I was breastfeeding, I had to lie her down next to me and not really be hanging on to her too much.

My other children liked being held. Each is different.

Once a baby is 5 or 6 months old, however, there's nothing wrong with giving them a bottle to hold themselves when they're in one of their infant seat type thingees or whatever.

Oh, and for the record, my oldest just turned 20 and we have a great relationship!