Re: Using Ferber method in everyday life

<no.email@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote:

> I am a new SAH mom and need advice.  I finally have a baby after many
> years of miscarriage.  This baby is the love of my life.  In the eyes
> of my mom and friends, I have 'spoiled' the baby because I never let
> him cry.  He just seems like a very happy, calm baby 24/7.
> 
> Due to a family crisis - I can no longer lavish my baby with as much
> time and attention as he is accustomed.
> 
> He is almost 5 months old and on some occassions,  as soon as I put
> him down, and he sees me walk away (still within his vision at all
> times) he crys.  If I don't pick him up, the cry turns into the an
> ear-piercing, red-faced, scream that wont stop until I hold him.  I
> can be right in front of him touching him and he won't stop crying.
> It's so loud and distressing I wonder what my neighbors must be
> thinking!
> 
> Mind you, he does play by himself with his toys and can entertain
> himself for quite some time, but other times he ****fts into
> 'high-needs mode'.  I have a baby carrier, but I it isn't always
> practical, especially if I'm cooking.  

This is normal 5 month old behavior. I'm not as extreme as the other
posters. For example, I would a let a five month old cry (briefly) while
I went to the bathroom or threw a load of laundry in the washer or
whatever. Then I would pick up the child as soon as I returned and said
"See Mommy's back" Babies love peek a boo at this age and I think it
helps them get used to the idea that people leave and come back.

If you are at home, I often would throw together a casserole or crock
pot meal or do the cutting up of things while my children had their
afternnon nap- then cooking dinner during the "arsenic" hour was much
easier- just put the casserole in the oven. They also enjoyed being in
the high chair while I was cooking- they couldn't get hurt and were out
of the way, but enjoyed being near me.

Marion Baumgarten