Questions

I am a perfectionist.  I don't do anything half-heartedly.  I learn absolutely everything I can about a topic before I get involved.  I have learned well how to research, but haven't master the art of conclusion just yet.

Fourteen months ago, I found out I would soon become a mother.  Six months ago I welcomed my beautiful daughter into the world.  You had better believe I spent my pregnancy reading every parenting book I could find.  And then SJ was born, and I learned that a book doesn't always provide the answers life requires.  {I realize the irony in that statement.  The Book does provide the answers life requires.}

I also learned that everyone has opinions about the right way to raise a child.  There are countless philosophies based on an equal number of theories and studies about the effects of this style or that style of parenting.  With so many ideas out there, how in the world can I figure out how to raise my baby?

A baby is a helpless little human.  She lacks the physical and physiological skills to take care of herself.  She cannot express her needs in any way except through her cry.  As a newborn, she has no wants, only needs.  I have read that it is impossible to spoil a baby.  They say you cannot hold her too much, respond to her cries too quickly.  She will always tell you when she has needs that must be met. 

A baby is a human.  Eventually she does need to be taught how to behave.  She does need to be taught how to live.  At what point in her development do needs become wants, and must behavior be taught?  You may not be able to spoil a baby, but you certainly can spoil a child.  When does a baby become a child?  Where is the line?  When should things switch from being baby-led to being parent-led?

And what if I do it wrong?  There are so many different ideas, and so many of them are in stark opposition with one another.  How can I be sure I'm doing the right thing?  And more importantly, how can I teach her to make right choices, and to love God?  How do I know she'll turn out okay?