Persistent Teaching Syndrome

I have persistent teaching syndrome (PTS). It's difficult for me to deal with. For so many years, I was the educator and teacher of families with young children. I knew the latest research- when to introduce solids, the pros and cons of sippy cups, what the American Academy of Pediatrics says about everything. It was my job. I was passionate about it, and good at it, and I loved it. Then came Maia, and I left my job for her and opened the shop.

That's when I realized that I have PTS. It started with the WAHM Co-op moms. We all have different parenting styles. Some use sippy cups, time outs, and other various ways of parenting. I had to really stop myself from teaching them about what I knew! It was a learning experience for me to realize that it's not all about what I know. They are all great mothers. They have great children. They don't need my advice, nor did they ever ask for it. The ways they parent are working for them and their family.

I had another bout with PTS when I began waitressing again. Soda in sippy cups. Babies in buckets (those darned car seat carriers- ok for times, but not ALL the time!), propped bottles, and the latest- applesauce in a "feeder" bottle for a very young baby. AAP recommends no solids for 6 months at least. And not in a bottle- babies need to learn how to EAT food, not drink it. But again, my place was to bring this family their dinner and nothing more. They were confident in what they were doing, and the baby was happy. She looked healthy, and was enjoying her bottle of applesauce. So, against all of my symptoms of PTS, I did not advise this family. It was truly hard for me! But it's yet another learning process for me- when is it a difference in parenting style, culture, and values, and when is it truly a safety or health issue? Had they come into the shop, however, I may have been a little more bold in simply offering what I know and allowing them to make their decision based on that.

Maybe someday there will be a cure for PTS, but until then I will continue to treat my symptoms with watching, waiting for parents to ask for info, and weighing how important my nuggets of knowledge are for a family.