Tough Choices

I assume this is what parenting will turn out to be all about. Years from now all the decisions we make today will be subject to $200/hr analysis, so it is worth putting some effort into the matter now. There are the big issues, Christmas orChanukaha, or both? Cloth or disposable diapers? Let her cry it out or sleep in our bed for 2 years?

Not in our household, but I hear tale of serious knock down arguments over these things. Like the man says, you never get a second chance to make a first impression.

So today is devoted to picking out the right mobile. She will be looking at this stupid thing probably more often than at her own parents, so there will be some impact it will have on her. So far it seems there are a number of directions we can go with this:

Scientific:
Studies show children respond better at early ages to simple black and white shapes, rather than confusing swirls and rainbows. Could be boring though, and a mobile that she does not like to watch could just get annoying after awhile.

Gender Specific:
We know we are having a little girl, so why not work off what millions of parents have seemed to have already figured out. They like the pink. I know a number of new parents that fought tooth and nail against gender stereotypes, only to have their daughters request as soon as they can speak, for the pink room. She may grow up to resent us trying to pigeon hole her into societal expectations for women though.

Interactive:
We can teach her hand eye coordination early on. Each arm of this one makes a funny sound. She may learn to be responsible for amusing herself, and that there are consequences to her actions. On the other hand, it could be too fun. The point is to get her to fall asleep, not keep her awake all night.

Ambitious:
Who even knew Stanford made baby mobiles? Why not get her started in the right direction? Or are we setting her up for high expectations. I have seen the Breakfast Club too many times now to put pressure on our daughter to get straight As all the time.

Commercial:
Everybody likes Winnie the Pooh. But does it teach her that it is ok to go up to dangerous beasts and pet them?

I will be developing a decision matrix by which a clear choice will hopefully emerge. Just have to learn a touch more programming, and we should be all set.

Next stop, Binkies.