Things that make me "weird"

Recently, I had an overwhelming feeling that I was being judged by a "mainstreamer" because of an opinion I voiced. It really bothered me that my OPINION, that was clearly labeled as just that, was grounds for someone else to comment on with their opinion in a way that made me feel like the way I do things is "wrong".

So here I am making a list of the things I do that some may see as "weird" or "wrong" as well as a few things that I feel very strongly about.

Please don't comment to tell me I'm "damaging" my children. I am a researcher by nature. Before I had children, I looked things up to learn new stuff for FUN. Now that I have little lives that I am responsible for shaping, I do more research. I have not made any decision about how I'm raising my children lightly. There is a lot of research and thought behind everything.

Please do not take anything in this series as a personal attack on your choices. Everyone is allowed to have their own choices and beliefs. If nothing else, please use this post as a way to open your mind to other possibilities.

This first post is just my list / index. In the coming days (or more likely weeks or months) I'll post my detailed explanations and edit here to link to each one.

First, the things I feel very strongly about.

• Circumcision
• Car Seat Safety / Extended Rear Facing
• Cry It Out (CIO) / Sleep Training / Controlled Crying

Ok, now the things that just make me seem crazy to some people.

• Breastfeeding
• Cloth Diapers
• Babywearing
• Selective and Delayed Vaccinations
• Baby-Led Weaning / Feeding
• Co-Sleeping
• Medications (Tylenol, etc) / Chemicals
• Potty Training
• Spanking / Physical Punishment
• Getting Dirty / Germs
• Natural Childbirth

Please come back so I can defend discuss my points.