Because what the internet needs is more wittering about rubbish parenting



Monday 22 February 2010

Gina Ford would have a fit...

Routine is out of the window today. Out of the window, across the garden and round the corner at the shops. This is mostly thanks to The Baby deciding that half-past midnight was PLAYTIME!, and not being impressed by my efforts to convince her otherwise. And then woke up twice more. She has had four naps today instead of two (none of them in her cot), ranging in length from 5 minutes to 1 hour, she had all her meals and bottles at the wrong times, and I think she will be going to bed early as she is being a total pain in the backside (because she's tired, I don't just put her to bed when she's annoying me.)

Whatever would Gina Ford say? For those of you unfamiliar with Gina Ford, she is the author of "The Contented Little Baby Book", which divides your day up into little chunks and tells you EXACTLY what you and your baby should be doing at each and every moment. A friend has just been given this book, and told me that she is close to throwing it out of the window. I don't blame her. I've not read the whole thing, but the bits I've seen are terrifying. And confusing. Now, I'm sure it works for some people, but how on earth you are supposed to get a newborn to sleep when it doesn't want to, or not sleep when it does, is beyond me. And any book that tells you not only when to have your breakfast (7.20, I believe), but what (tea and toast) deserves to be given to The Baby to destroy in her own little way, in my opinion.

I might have had a point to make. Too tired to think of what it might have been though.

5 comments:

  1. I got that book, it is very scary also it doesn't take into account at all that all babies different, I agree with a routine but come on Gina a little spontaneity never hurt anyone!!!

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  2. No! You are not allowed spontaneity! She knows what time your baby needs to eat, not you!

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  3. I know, she might as well schedule TV watching time for me too. It's 12.00pm now switch on the TV and watch loose women, you are allowed half an hour of TV, no more!! If you watch more than this then social services will be called to your house! :-)

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  4. I would just like to add that I have indeed thrown the sodding book out of the window. Take that Gina Ford - you and your tea and toast can bugger off!

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  5. Well done Gem! Embrace the mayhem!

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