D.I.Y.O.D.S

There are a lot of people out there who are smarter than me. I know, you're shocked that I actually admit that, but it's the truth--rocket scientists, nuclear physicists, brain surgeons, 4th graders who understand long division.

To make up for this, I do research (or perhaps I do research to keep myself from babbling and drooling on myself after spending all day in a battle of wits with 2 children, but that's not the point.)

There's a lot about parenting to learn. Some of it must be learned the hard way by doing, but a lot can be learned instead by doing a bit of studying. I figure that I may be the only advocate my children have. You'd hope that your pediatrician is on your side, you'd hope that you're friends are on your side, but whether through ignorance or something sadly more cynical, they may not be.

I've gotten a lot of bad advice as a mom. Most of its rather harmless like being told not to hold a baby because it will spoil them. But there are some things that could potentially be dangerous for your kids. I've heard all too many times of pediatricians who told parents their was nothing dangerous about flipping their babies forward facing before a year, or that there's no reason to hold off on potentially allergenic foods, or OB/GYNs who find no risks in inducing labor early.

So, D.I.Y.O.D.S (Do It Your Own Darn Self). Research what you're told. Find the latest information from reputable scientific sources and be an advocate for your children from the day you get pregnant. They need you!

If I was dictator of the universe, I'd make make a law that you've got to find out for yourself what is best for your kids, but I'm not. Hold on, I have to go research that, maybe there is a way . . . I'll get back to you.