Your kid may have grown up healthy, polite and successful, but, that doesn't mean you raised them right.

    Yep, it's true. Your child might be the most healthy, polite and successful person around, but, that doesn't mean that you did everything right when you raised them. 


     I see this every time there is an article written on that shows the dangers of certain ways of doing things. For instance, cereal in bottles, bottle propping, CIO, premature forward facing....there is always those mom's that did all of those things commenting on how they did it and their kid is healthy, polite, successful, wonderful, advanced, blah, blah, blah. These parents refuse to read further or research or try to see another way. They will not accept that their way of doing things may not be the best. I do not understand this way of thinking. 


     Let's talk about cereal in the bottle first...What keeps some of you mom's from seeing another side or way of doing things? What keeps you from trying another way just to see? If research and studies say another way is safer or that your way is unsafe, why keep risking it for your pride? Just because you kid hasn't choked doesn't mean that all the scientific evidence is wrong. Obviously some poor babies have choked on it. If research proves that it doesn't keep your kid full, that if they can't eat the food off of a spoon yet, they don't need food, that they need to be 6 months old before they get food...why do you insist that it is none of those things just because YOUR kid is ok? Why not accept that perhaps it isn't a good idea and try something different with the kids?


  Have you ever heard of Dave Pelzer?  Here's a quote from his website: "Dave has experienced a truly extraordinary life. He nearly died several times by the hands of his mentally disturbed alcoholic mother. Years later it was determined that Dave’s case was identified as one of the most gruesome and extreme cases of child abuse in California ’s then history."


Now, here's a quote about him as an adult: "As a member of the Armed Forces, Dave was hand-picked to midair refuel the highly secretive SR-71 Blackbird and the F-117 Stealth Fighter, which played a major role in Operations Just Cause, Desert Shield and Desert Storm. While serving on active duty and maintaining a rigorous flight schedule, Dave made time to give of himself. In 1990, Dave was the recipient of the JC Penney Golden Rule Award, making him the California Volunteer of the Year.

Some of Dave’s distinctive accomplishments have been recognized through a number of prestigious awards, as well as personal commendations from Presidents Reagan, Bush, Clinton and George W. Bush. In 1993, Dave was honored as one of the Ten Outstanding Young Americans. He joins a distinguished group including: John F. Kennedy, Anne Bancroft and Christopher Reeves. In 1994, Dave was the only American to be honored as The Outstanding Young Person of the World! In 1996, he carried the coveted Centennial flame for the Olympic Games. Dave was paid tribute as the recipient of the 2005 National Jefferson Award. Other alumni of this award include Colin Powell, Sandra Day O’Connor and Bob Hope.

Dave is the author of seven inspirational books. Dave’s latest book, Moving Forward deals with helping people take the lead in their lives. Dave’s first book, A Child Called “It”, was on the New York Times Best Sellers List for over 6 years and Dave’s books have been on the same Best Sellers List approaching 13 years combined. As an author Dave is the first to have four # 1 International Best Sellers and to have four books simultaneously on the New York Times Best Sellers List.

Dave is a living testament of a self-made man, who as an optimist strongly exudes resilience, service to mankind, personal responsibility and faith in humanity. Dave’s unique and intriguing outlook on life, coupled with his “Robin Williams” like wit and sense of humor entertain and encourage all of us to truly commit to overcome any challenge, while living life to its fullest.

For over two decades, Dave has dedicated his life helping others . . . to help themselves. While many make excuses and seem pessimistic, Dave carries the banner in a nation where opportunities are endless in what he calls “The Greatness of America”. And through his work, you will too. "

So, let's see...Dave grew up in one of the MOST abusive houses around. His childhood was a living hell and he nearly died, he barely survived childhood. As an adult however, he has done more and accomplished more than most of us. Which all goes to prove, just because your kid survived it, doesn't mean it was safe. 

     My point is not to put down mom's, but, to maybe help some understand that when I post that something is unsafe, it isn't to put you down or to make you do things "MY" way...It is to give you the info so that you won't possibly harm your kid by continuing an unsafe practice. I want you to read the articles and research and decide for yourself if you want to continue to risk it or not. No one needs you to defend yourself and the unsafe practice. You don't have to tell me your kid survived it to be a healthy, polite and successful kid. To me, that's insulting to Dave Pelzer...always remember him. Perhaps remember that you want you kid to be great because of you , not in spite of you.