Sam and Maria.

This post could be somewhat contorversial, but I thought I would just go ahead and write it since it will be interesting to hear what other moms do.
I read a very interesting book called the Secrets of the Baby Whiperer when I was pregnant with my second child. A British lady named Tracy Hogg reveals some “secrets” to understanding your baby and teaching them how to do all the things parents hope their baby will do like go to sleep on its own, sleep through the night, play on their own for a reasonable amount of time, etc.
Now, when Zara was born I had high hopes of teaching her to go to sleep on her own, the key to this is to have a quiet room and do this little routine each time so baby knows what to expect. It all sounded quite doable, so I tried it.
My suspicion is that Ms. Hogg doesn’t live communally, or at least her room isn’t right by the kitchen nor shared with the baby’s sibs. I never could get my room quiet, so I abandond the go-to-sleep-on-your-own routine in exchange for go-to-sleep- anywhere training which seemed to suit us much better.
I think there is a definite balace to this, as a baby needs security, heck, I need security, but in my case, teaching adaptability has been our salvation. I think I would have turned into a nervous wreck if I insited on keeping my room quiet for baby!
So, my big lesson is see what works for you. Read the books, talk with the experts, but go with your faith and the gauge of your success: if you have a happy, healthy, secure baby, you must be doing something right.
And, it goes without saying, though the truth be told I often postpone this crucial step far too long, ask the Lord. He knows baby better than you ever will.