With so many different opinions on how to raise a child, it can get confusing for us as Vito’s parents to make clear decisions about them. However, since I am a firm believer in Vito, young as he is, I go with the flow and respond to his wants and needs in the way I see fit. While some may not agree with my views (i.e. attachment parenting, continuum method, exclusive breastfeeding, delaying solids, etc), I stand on my beliefs and philosophy about raising my son. Of course, many of these theories might go against popular old wives tales and doings of generations past. Still, I choose to follow what we as parents believe is right.

I am learning to take the good advice I’m given. Still, I discern what or what not to follow based on my personal beliefs. I may follow head-on or I may not; what matters is that, as a mom, I am making choices for my child. We’re fortunate that his pediatrician is a breastfeeding advocate, and has been praising us for keeping Vito well-fed. As a result, he’s healthier than ever, strong and bright-eyed, and always active. By delaying certain things like solids, water and formula, we’ve seen that Vito has reached many developmental milestones in the natural course of time.

And so goes the journey that is parenthood. It’s not easy, it’s full of bumps, it’s paved with many choices. What matters most is that Vito’s priorities are met, his trust in me and his dad is strengthened and our bond as a family is reinforced through love. In the end, that’s all that matters.