Blanket Training

[RedBedHead]

I honestly have to say that I had never heard of blanket training a baby until the Duggar's welcomed baby #17 into the world. I had no clue that such a practice existed and I have to say that I find the idea repulsive. What do you guys think?

Life in a shoe: the methods and madness of one mother of 8

This is the only link that I can find that really describes the practice. From what I understand, the Duggar's stand close to the baby with a wooden spoon in hand to ensure that the baby stays on the blanket.

[Csara]

I've never heard of it before. omg. I hate to judge the parenting techniques of others, but..........*shudder*

[B'sgirl]

I would never use it myself, but it could have its uses. It might be good in a house that was difficult to "baby proof", of in my best friend's MIL's house (filthy, filthy carpet), or to prevent your baby spitting up on someone's nice new carpet.
But I don't see a need to restrict B that way. I prefer him to learn to explore and learn rather than stay and think "in the box", you know?

[CC21]

Did you notice in the article on that website the picture of the wooden spoons?

[jana]

Yes, I've heard of it...also thanks to the Duggars, although I think it was when they were on baby #14 or #15 & started getting a lot of media attention.

I think it's horrid to deliberately lure a baby off of a blanket, only to hit it for doing so. ETA: Not all blanket trainers "lure" the kid off the blanket, but most "purists" do hit the child for straying off of the blanket.

[jessica]

I just can't comprehend such a thing to be honest. My daughter crawled so early I can't imagine trying to "train" her little mobile self before she could comprehend such things and I never thought of restricting her early mobility!

What about how the Duggars' younger children are the buddies to the babies/toddlers? I saw pictures on their website of their older daughter carrying their new baby around in a sling. I guess if you have 17 children I can see how their buddy system may almost be necessary, but something about it doesn't sit well with me.

[RedBedHead]

Originally Posted by jessica

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What about how the Duggars' younger children are the buddies to the babies/toddlers? I saw pictures on their website of their older daughter carrying their new baby around in a sling. I guess if you have 17 children I can see how their buddy system may almost be necessary, but something about it doesn't sit well with me.

This could be a whole new thread. I think it's horrid that these children aren't able to be just that. They are way too busy being a mommy or daddy to their siblings that their childhood is just being taken away from them.

[Csara]

Agreed. It could be a whole new thread. I don't care how nice that family looks or seems, how well behaved and happy their children "seem", they are bordering on neglect. There is no way those parents can give each child the individual attention that they deserve and need. I have heard so many things about that family that horrify me.

[CC21]

I was horrified to see that the 15 & 17 year old girls are responsible for preparing lunch and dinner, respectively, for the WHOLE family. I cannot imagine cooking for that many people on a daily basis now, let alone when I was that age.

[jessica]

Okay great didn't know if I was totally off base with my comment, I guess you all agree!

Oh and the cooking for everyone thing is crazy, I can't imagine having that level of responsibility at 15/17 years old.

Several of their children are getting to that marrying age I suppose ... I wonder what they will all be like when they break off and do their own thing. Like will any of them be rebelious or will they all raise huge families in the same way.