Community› The Bump Message Boards› Attachment Parenting
Attachment Parenting
New Discussion

Need parenting advice about food, sleep, tv

jshfjshf member
in Attachment Parenting

DS is 20 months and used to be a great eater, but lately has gotten pickier.  Things he used to like, he has no interest in.  Now he wants to eat cereal, yogurt, cheese and peanut butter/ jelly sandwiches.  I typically try not to force him to eat things he isn't interested in, but try to offer a variety of things.  He's also not eating much of his lunch at daycare.  He only goes two days a week, but I still worry.  If he doesn't eat a meal that I prepared for him, should I just give in and give him what he wants?  Is this a phase or should I worry he's developing poor eating habits?

DS also has been so busy that he doesn't want to sleep.  He's going to bed really late and only sleeping about 9 hours at night.  His naps are also getting terrible.  He's really cranky and I've resorted to driving him around to get him to go to bed at a reasonable time at night.  I'm thinking that maybe he needs to learn to sleep on his own.  We lay next to him to fall asleep and co-sleep.  Any thoughts/suggestions?

I didn't let DS watch tv until he was about 16/17 months.  Then it was just half an hour every couple of days.  The past month it's become about an hour a day, in two 30 min episodes.  I have been trying hard to cut it back down to 30 min a day.  But I don't have any family nearby and DH works a lot and also goes to grad school.  So somedays I just need a break and unfortunately tv has become my babysitter.  I feel very guilty about doing this, but I get stressed out and find myself being short with DS.  I've yelled at him for misbehaving or not listening.  I'm also pregnant, so that doesn't help matters.  Should I just let him watch tv and not worry about it so I get a break?  

Sorry, I've just been so overwhelmed by everything.  I want to be a good, responsive, loving mom, but feel like I am falling short all the time!  Thanks for reading! 

 

Lilypie First Birthday tickersBaby Birthday Ticker Ticker Anniversary
Report Reply to Post

Re: Need parenting advice about food, sleep, tv

  • EmmieBEmmieB member

    Personally, if it's an episode or two and you're sane, go with it. I'd pick something "better" like Sesame Street or something. And make sure that you balance it with books and outside time and activities and everyone will be happy.

    I'm so sorry you're stressed and I hope he starts sleeping soon!

    Warning No formatter is installed for the format bbhtml
    Report Reply
  • Loading the player...
  • shelbymshelbym member

    I wouldn't worry too much about the t.v.  DS watches about 30 minutes a day when he has his morning snack.  He gets really overheated outside so needs a little rest period.  It also gives me a chance to take a quick shower or take a break for a minute or two.

    DS also went through a picky stage with eating and my pediatrician told me- "he will not starve and will eat when he is hungry.  Now we always try to give a good variety at every meal and if he doesn't eat then we don't stress it since he will just eat better later.  

     For sleep DS and DD too both like their own space to sleep.  I co-slept with both but did notice that they started sleeping better once they could fall asleep on their own.  Sometimes DS takes a long time to fall asleep (depending on nap and activity that day) but he just stays in his bed until he drifts off.  We hear him talking to his stuffed animals or singing for awhile but he always gets a good night sleep.  

    Good Luck. 

    E-8/9/08, A-6/7/10, W-1/11/12
    Report Reply
This discussion has been closed.
Choose Another Board
Search Boards
"
"