thank you for your response to the issue. My thoughts on this are the following:
- you stated that you have consulted childcare experts such as paediatricians and it seems they have endorsed your project. As with every topic, one always finds enough supporters for each side of the coin and it is easy to chose the ones that support one's own ideas. However, you may also know that there is a vast amount of research done on exactly the topic in question (i.e. the effect of crying and physical neglect on the brain development and mental health of children) and much of it shows that the type of method used by Claire is actually detrimental to the baby. My verdict is that your own "research" and choice in advisors is biased .(see e.g."why love matters - how affection shapes a baby's brain" by Sue Gerhardt)
- it is true that it would be fascinating to witness the effect of a variety of child rearing methods. However, I feel this programme is meaningless as the period of three months is pointless. The effects of the methods you have chosen will be much more long term and it would be much more interesting to see what has become of these children at an older age, say from 3 years onwards.
- my last point is the one of social responsibility. Yes, many people might use Claire's method. Many more might be using it after your programme. But in view of the vast amount of problems in our society we ought to show people how to improve our society, not the opposite. Surely it makes sense to try to start with the new generations. However, your programme promotes implicitly, that it is ok to be a totally self-centred parent, whose main priority is to get their social life back, going out to restaurants etc. Sorry, but that just ridiculous.
