Dr Golly talks Cross Parenting with journalist Emily Rice. Matt & Millie Stevic explain how it has helped their family on Channel 9 news.
AIRED: Tuesday 3rd May 2022
Watch the clip here
The aim of cross parenting (a role reversal where dad/non breastfeeding parent focuses on the newborn & mum on the older sibling) is to:
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✅ minimise toddler behavioural deterioration that often occurs around 3mths after a newborn sibling arrives
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✅ allows mothers to rest, recuperate & maintain close relationship with older toddler siblings
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✅ creates a phenomenal shift (actual brain/hormone change) in dads/non breastfeeding parents
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✅ allows the whole family to get a whole nights sleep ASAP (those following the Dr Golly Sleep Program will know routines don’t start until your baby is 6 weeks 5-6kg)
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⛔️ Cross parenting does not diminish the mother/newborn relationship, an emotionally available, well rested mother with an emotionally balanced toddler will find attachment to all children (& partner) easier.
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🤱🏼 Cross parenting is breastfeeding friendly. So much of my practice & philosophy is about protecting the breastfeeding mother & this is no different. Cross parenting assumes a great deal of the first 4 weeks will be spent doing this – BUT that’s the ONLY job that can only be done by mum, everything else is up for grabs!
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👶🏼Think: burping, nappies, changing, bathing, settling, grocery shopping, food prep, cooking, laundry….yep there’s a lot more than breastfeeding!!
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👨🏽💻 Cross Parenting is not just for families with generous paternity leave packages: in the first few weeks of life these jobs are 24/7 so for some families the switch may happen in the mornings, the evenings, night settling & weekends
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Read more: https://www.drgolly.com/cross-parenting-improving-toddler-behavioural-outcomes/