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I do not agree with the idea of allowing a baby to cry themselves to sleep. I feel there is always a reason for a baby crying which could be that they are in pain, hungry or just feeling a little insecure or scared and I feel it is the duty of a parent to find out what that may be.

We as parents decided to have these children and I feel in doing so we should find the time to deal with the child.

When a child is very small and unable to talk this is their only way of telling you that something is wrong with them and I feel as a parent of three daughters that it is our duty to find out what is wrong and console the child.

I could not stand by and hear a child cry and not pick them up also I found it very distressing myself to hear my children cry and the great feeling it gave me to stop them from crying.I think this only adds to anxiety to the parent and can also lead to postnatal depression in mothers which no mother would want and would like to avoid.

So in saying this you are calming the child and helping yourself in the long run.

I know some people will say that you are spoiling the child in doing this but I do not think this is so,I just think it makes the child feel loved and secure when picking them up

I have had friends who disagree with me and have allowed their children to cry themselves to sleep and on the few occasions I have been at their houses long enough to to see the child wake up later on most occasions they have woke crying which has upset me no end to think the child was still distressed on waking.

Our babies do not stay small for long and I feel it is our duty to make their childhood as stress free as possible.If a child can feel no comfort or security from the parent what hope have they got.

Also the bond you have with that child when you pick it up and stop it from crying is wonderful and makes you feel so good inside why would anyone not want that.

I just feel if you decide to have children then you should make time for them it is your choice not the child's.

This does not necessarily have to be the mother it could be a relative or friend that helps to calm or check the child. I know everyone can get tired from time to time but a child should not be left to cry.

We have enough children who are neglected in one way or another and I feel if we encourage people to allow their children to cry themselves to sleep we are heading for trouble and in some cases even a few fatality's which I am sure no one would like.

And it is no good after the event wishing if only you had just taken the time to check and hold the child to avoid all sorts of unpleasantness.

Learn more about this author, Alicia Sloley.
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