Gransnet forums

Ask a gran

bringing up baby/toddler.

(52 Posts)
Coolgran65 Sun 22-Feb-15 07:50:37

My little grandson age 18 months has been co sleeping with his parents since birth. This suits them very well. Child goes to bed at around 9 or 10pm and sleeps until anywhere from 8 to 10ish. He is a delightful child, very happy and good natured. He makes all his assessments with flying colours.

He was breast fed until at least 9 months, and could possibly still be breast fed......I haven't asked about that. They live very far away and we skype once a week and email regularly.
Talking about a future trip home I mention our travel cot and was told it's not needed....xxx will be sleeping with mum and dad.

Baby is being brought up in a very caring way, only milk and water, no juice. No sugar. Has never tasted chocolate or anything sweet. Is a great eater...Well into his fruit and veg. Only got shoes last month. Never used any baby walking aids because these are thought not

Ia good for baby's back. Both parents are highly educated and employed professionals. Their working hours ate arranged so that paid childcare isn't needed. They can adjust working hours to suit. Very occasionally they call upon a nanny who comes to their home for the day.
They are well paid, own their own home. They are not materialistic in that their car is 10 years old, eat organic food only.

As I write this I'm feeling quite proud of their parenting.
They are probably a little hippyish. Don't iron clothing. Don't own an iron or a television.

There is just a little wonder in my mind, is it all a little too much 'different.'
I would never say anything negative to them regarding parenting or way of life. After all, it appears to work very well. Baby was born when parents 40ish.

A comment from a friend referring to them (kindly) as treehuggers just caused me to step back and ponder.

Still co sleeping at 18 months.
No little cartoons for baby.
Likely to be still breastfeeding at 18 months.

I'm quite content that they have their own style.

Just out of interest. What do other gnetters think. ?

Rowantree Thu 26-Feb-15 13:28:08

annsixty thank you so much - independence was what we wanted for her (as well as all the rest!) but it was a hard struggle at times as she had so much major surgery as a child and teenager and then serious mental health problems, but she's a fighter and was always determined to stand on her own foot ;) - to the extent that, even after her leg amputation at the age of 15, she insisted on returning to school in the autumn before her prosthetic leg was ready, struggling in on crutches, to the stares of the other children, because she didn't want to fall behind with work. Through the worst times, she's always fought back and had a drive to be independent - don't think it was anything we did though!
But I digress. Deedaa and Tresco it's lovely to know that others to the signing too and that it works well. Elena signs a lot, but I worry that I'm missing some of her signs sometimes and not responding to them. I still have to learn more of them myself to understand what she signs, but I'm improving! smile