The Adventures of Baby Arthur

by Lincoln

I love my Mom. After Arthur was born, I loved my Mom and my Dad in a way I've never loved them before. In fact, after Arthur was born, I loved Liz's mom for the first time ever! They have all been so supportive, me and Liz would never be able to survive without them.

Here comes the BUT.

For the last 10 days, my parents had been "living la Vida Loca" on a fancy German cruise. While they were away, in true baby fashion, Arthur went through a number of unbelievable and rapid transformations! He started grabbing the spoon and feeding himself. He started grabbing is sippy cup and drinking on his own. The best part? It seemed like he was starting to bond with his dear old Dad in a different way!

Today, my Mom returned from her vacation and resumed her babysitting days again. Excited to report Arthur's progress at the dinner table to my Mom, I grabbed the spoon and gestured for Arthur to feed himself. *SMACK!* The spoonful of food crashed to the floor. When he seemed thirsty, I handed him his sippy cup as we had been doing the entire week. I was rebuked with a dirty look and a shriek that said, "Are you kidding??". My mom then happily proceeded to FEED him his food as well as HOLD HIS CUP for him to drink!

We naturally all have our own parenting styles. I don't always agree with the approaches of my cousins, friends, "experts" and even Liz! But, it's hard to dispute your own Mom. Since it was quite clear that my Mom was the common denominator in Arthur's shift in behaviour, it was my job to give her the talk. I tried to explain as best as I could that she should encourage Arthur to do things for himself. Even if he objects, encourage anyway! After all, according to one of our resources: Child of Mine: Feeding with Love and Good Sense, at 12 months, Arthur should be weening off the bottle as well as using the spoon himself. Check page 250! Our pediatrician concurs.

My Mom's response was obvious:

• "I'm treating Arthur the same way I raised YOU!"
• "I don't spoil him, he's only 13 months old!"
• "You didn't come off the bottle until 20 months"
• My favorite: "Don't torture my grandson."

Of course this was all followed by "At least I think so anyway, I don't remember, it was 30 years ago".

What else can I say? I love you Mom. (and the torture resumes tomorrow)

Labels: parenting