The 12 Rules of Parenting

[Jessica at Parenting.com]

...and why you can break them all!

In the November issue of Parenting magazine, we discuss some of those rules that everyone knows, but can't always follow.

For example, how many people told you this one: Nap when your baby naps. It sounds logical, but aren't you always tempted to use that quiet time to get things done around the house that require both hands (like check email)?

Or how about this one: Stick to your guns. (Don't budge on your house rules, ever.) Again, wouldn't that be nice? But sometimes it's in everyone's best interest to compromise, too.

Read all 12 "rules" here (http://www.parenting.com/gallery/Mom/12-Parenting-Rules-You-Can-Break).

And reply to this message to let us know which parenting rules you break the most!

[MommaC]

First I broke rule #5...but I plea "not-guilty" because I was unable to breastfeed. I tried, but no-go. I break rule #1 most often (doing housework with a baby around) which often leads to breaking rule #11 (too much TV). I think breaking rule #2 is necessary for sanity in my house. Mess=chaos, so Mama MUST accomplish things while the baby sleeps. I'll admit to breaking rule #7 (stick to your guns) but not to my husband!.

[brandie1127]

"Keep dogs away from the baby". Yeah right! The baby isn't even here yet and people are all over me about this one. but I have a secret weapon ... I asked my ped about it and he pointed to a study in which it showed that children in homes with either 2 or more cats or dogs have been proven to have a heightened immune system then those raised in animal free environments. Huh? Who would have thought apparently the 2 together put off something into the air that "helps the baby's immune system build"

This study was my secret weapon against my MIL!!!

[jaxon1015]

My son just turned one in October. So far, I've broken rules #1-#5, #7,,#8, #10-#12. Others, don't apply because of his age, but I'm sure that if they did...I'd break them. There are only a few things in our home that we don't allow my son to touch, basically to teach him that he can't "man-handle" anything he wants at any point in time. If we go to my parent's home...the house is full of things he can't/shouldn't touch...and I want him to learn to respect other's things. It's basically impossible to nap when baby naps if you want to accomplish rule #1. The only time I could get any house work done, is when he napped. I don't even understand the purpose of the birthday party rule. Breastfeeding SO did not last for a year...barely lasted for 3 months...my son needed more than I could give, so we supplemented, and he took himself off the breast, basically. I have 2 cats...most of the time, they do what they can to avoid my son. Case closed. Now, we don't plop my son in front of the TV, but if he needs some down time...he likes to watch Elmo's World. The fact that he has the attention span for about 10 total minutes...takes care of that one. And, I'm sorry, but PLEASE...do not stay inside with a newborn. My son was born in October. 3 days after we were home, I took him to the grocery store. 2 weeks after he was born we took him to the pumpkin patch to get his first pumpkin...needless to say, he didn't even know what was going on...slept the whole time. BUT, he's healthy, alive and running us to bone!!! However, if you're gonna have company...PLEASE find out if they've been sick first. That will definitely help in the long run. If they are not healthy, DO NOT HESITATE to say NO when they want to come over. Some people are selfish, and feel that if they don't DIRECTLY cough on the baby, the baby won't get sick.
So, I guess I'm a rule breaker...but my son is happy, healthy, and my house is still standing.

[charliesmommy]

"the rule: Nap when the baby naps.
the reality: If you can manage this, more power to you."

I had to LOL at this one!

"the rule: Breastfeed for one year.
the reality: It doesn't always work that way. "

After going back to work I could only do it for 5.5 months. My milk dried up slowly but surely. I went back when Charlie was 2.5 months old.

"the rule: Stick to your guns.
the reality: I have yet to meet a mom who has never budged. "

I have to laugh because Charlie is only a year old and I find myself giving in a lot. As long as it's something that's not going to hurt him.

"the rule: Keep pets away from the baby.
the reality: What, and banish your "first child" to the garage?"

When you have a dog that loves to play ball and a baby who can't stop giggling everytime he 'throws' the ball to the dog, this is kinda hard.
I do recommend keeping your children away from sleeping dogs. They must learn to let them lie.

"the rule: No dessert unless they eat veggies.
the reality: The food pyramid will still be there tomorrow."

Amen to that!!!

"the rule: No more than one hour of TV per day.
the reality: Electronic entertainment in moderation is not evil incarnate -- and there are times when it can be downright handy."

Ya, Amen to this one too!!!

"the rule: Stay inside with a newborn.
the reality: A little fresh air isn't going to hurt anybody."

Charlie was born in October so taking him out was touch and go with the cold. But, if it wasn't too cold, we took him out.

[fuzzy]

I just thought I would show my "Rule breaker..LOL

[fuzzy]

well at least I tried I'm so not computer savy and anything I do on this site lately hasn't worked so I'll change my avatar at least I think I can??|My 2 babies spent alot of time together!and they still do....