[Stormster]

Originally Posted by RavenSong

Stormster, seriously, you've discovered the secret that most mothers for the last hundred years have known, namely into the crib with baby for a little break for mom.

Is there a central location where ALL the secrets are kept?

[mondk]

Storm: Stop right there! Just kidding...actually, the "Joshman" as you call him, takes a quick 30 min. to 1 hour afternoon nap around the same time you are chilling. So far it seems to make him hungrier for supper and more relaxed in the evenings. So see, you are still "Supermom"! (We both are, right?)

Blessings, Michelle

[humanpitchpipe]

I put gates up around my family room and completely baby-proofed the area. It is right next to the kitchen and that is where DS goes while I prepare and clean up from dinner. All of his toys are in there and he is fine. I think it is good t encourage independent play, and since the room is completely baby proofed, I don't have to worry. We started out using a super play yard, but that got too small after a while. A super play yard is like taking several gates and connecting them together. I originally got it for my dogs!

[Stormster]

I'm kind of into a more "montessori" approach in that I don't gate him off much anymore and try and safely integrate him into family activity. When I cook he's playing with fake food (and a few real things) in his learning tower or on the floor etc.. I'm not saying there's anything wrong with gating him off but I don't want to go back to that. I just feel he's not used to it anymore. Of course putting him in his crib to hang out is no solution either.

I would like him to start playing in his room. I am happy to have him start to take books and toys off the shelves which are bolted to the wall etc....we just have to do a few small things to make it completely safe. I think!

Interesting side note: our first match was almost 2 weeks into the process The mom lived with her grandparents in a charming little house that had more glass and knick-knacks than I've ever seen in my life. It was like a gift shop! Anyway, Grandma was bragging to me how she never moved a thing for any of her kids or for her toddler grandson. They just "teach" them not to touch! I'm still wondering how on earth they do it. If I hadn't seen it I'd never believe it! We have NO picture frames or objects left on ANY surfaces!