Ezzo Parenting

Ezzos' "detachment" parenting agree that the way you parent your baby has long term effects, but each style of parenting draws dramatically different conclusions. Attachment parenting approaches parenting from an angle that stresses the need to follow your baby's cues--that he will be your teacher if you let him--and that his needs and desires are the same. Advocates of attachment parenting feel that this gives babies the best opportunity to reach their full potential and to become caring, loving adults. Conversly, the Ezzos feel that the parents should be in control. They think demand-feeding creates a fussy, demanding baby who will cause the parents sorrow and stress and will grow up to be a disgrace. Proponents of attachment parenting fear that babies parented in a detached-style of parenting will have trouble learning to trust and will grow up unable to relate well to other people.

Some parents express the belief that the Ezzos' program is fine if used with common sense. I feel, though, that following the Ezzos' teachings can cause parents to lose much of their sensitivity toward their children, and as a result they become blind to many of their children's needs. Also, the Ezzos seem to try to create guilt and fear in those parents who do not follow their program to the letter by saying that if you don't follow it correctly, then it won't work right and--far worse in some parent's eyes--that you are not doing it "God's way." This attitude pushes some parents to disregard common sense, and they take the program too far and endanger not only their relationship with their children and their child's mental well-being, but also their children's health.

Babies should be listened to and parented in a responsive manner. Babies are not inconveniences to be scheduled into our lives. They are precious gifts from God to be enjoyed and taken care of with an attitude of servanthood. When parents allow their baby to becomes an integral part of their life, they will be blessed a million times over.

Helpful Links

Infant Feeding in Ancient Israel: A Commentary on the Ezzos by Katherine Dettwyler, PhD

Getting Wise to Babywise by Katie Allison Granju

Concerns About the Ezzos' Preparation for Parenting Class--Addresses concerns such as schedule feeding and the idea that the Ezzos' teach "the" Christian way to parent; contains many references for those who want to do more research on the WWW.

PAM ("Parenting as Ministry") Mailing List The introduction on this

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