Michaeleen Douclef offers a brief history of parenting culture that challenges the Western perspective, if only lightly, though she suggests we may be creating many of the troubles we try to solve. Interesting tidbits on sleep training and mamas parenting alone. Some excerpts:

"In many instances, what we think is "necessary" or "critical" for childhood is actually not present in any other cultures around the world or throughout time."

"Parenting advice can give the impression that the recommendations are based on science. But a deep look at some studies reveals that the science is more like smoke and mirrors. Sometimes the studies don't even test what the parenting expert is purporting they do."

And the parting thought: "In Western culture, parenting is often about control."

This one is worth a read. Find it here.

photo: Adriana Zehbrauskas for NPR