Learning Curve

I know it's only been a year, but looking back, I realize that I have already made a TON of parenting mistakes. Most of these I didn't know any better, some I knew better but did them anyway, and the remaining errors in judgement have been pointed out to me by others (unsolicited).

I didn't realize that the amount of hours I've spent on the floor playing with her would actually hinder her sense of independence and ability to entertain herself! She can't do anything without wanting me to be a part of it. I'm not so bothered by this as I am by the fact that she will not eat very well in her highchair. My husband and I do not eat at the kitchen table, but rather in front of the TV on trays. I know, I know, not good for family dynamics, blah, blah, blah. So, she likes to run around and come to us every couple minutes to get a bite of food. We've set a bad example. I should have started her on the sippy cup earlier because now, it's a bit of a battle. But I didn't realize how early it's recommended to introduce the cup. She was just so small at 5 months.

The other bigger mistakes, which I'm paying dearly for now, were more conscious decisions to go against my better judgement and expert advice everywhere! We bring Courtney into our bed sometimes early in the mornings and she sleeps with us for a couple of hours. It's really the only way we can sleep in and we just get so desparate for sleep that we are willing to do just about anything. Surprisingly, this hasn't affected her sleeping habits too much. I actually think she's not that crazy about sleeping with us. I also let her have her way if she whines too much...I've even been known to offer her a cookie to shut her up! When I told this to my boss, he just looked at me, shook his head and said "rewarding bad behavior, shame on you!". Yeah, Yeah, I know! Because of this, she has mastered the art of the temper tantrum, and now I must take back control! Also due to lack of sleep, we got her used to only napping in her stroller. At the time, again, we were desparate and then, she just became accustomed to it, so now we're stuck!

Others love to tell us when we've messed up. My mom tells me that I've spoiled her too much, my boss tells me I need to institute the timeout, random strangers give me the stinkeye in the store when she starts to whine a little, (when I know that they really want me to do is smack her). Surrounded by all these experts, you would think I would be the perfect mom...NOT!