Child Care

Some of the arguments are based upon medical opinion which cautions allowing other than young babies to use the dummy because of a possible negative affect upon the gums and developing teeth. Others are influenced by the possible psychological crutch, which the dummy represents. They consider it an unnatural tool in trying to achieve a contented state in a baby or infant. Yet others believe it is a matter of dubious hygiene to use such a mechanism. Others argue about the shape, size and design of the dummy being the criteria as to whether or not its use is advisable.

Instinct tells us, the observers, that a child who seems to us to be ‘too old’ to be sucking on a dummy, that it is inappropriate and something is wrong. We tend to react and even recoil in judging the habit and feel that it should be discouraged, just as when we witness a child beyond the infant stage still drinking directly from the breast.

There are many healthy children who are breast fed until 2-3 years but also cases on record of children who are breast fed for a long period showing abnormality in the teeth, suffering ‘buck teeth’ or a forward projection. We would have to listen to dentists to tell us more, but if this condition were caused by long-term breastfeeding, most mothers once made aware of this, would certainly begin to reconsider. The chance that in allowing the child what seems an indulgence, but which could cause long-term damage is a disturbing thought. It would be regrettable if well meaning and caring mothers are inadvertently creating a problem that may require expensive dental work and even perhaps risking damaging their child’s appearance.

Whatever the recent conclusions, and the opinions of desperate mothers who will resort to almost anything to have a baby cease crying, including the employment of old methods of the dummy, will have their advocates and adversaries. But the need to find a way to quiet children remains. It is also imperative to discover the reason for any discomfort.

One popular alternative method is that of distraction. It seems to be the most satisfactory way of keeping the children quiet today and certainly, beyond the early infant stage, is general in most households, and that is the television. The TV has not only invaded the lounge rooms and home theaters, kitchens and bedrooms of people; but also the nurseries where children are ‘entertained’ by the moving picture. In many cases the special programmes designed to educate and interest children are wonderful and provide fascinating viewing for both children and even some parents and adults too.

There can be no argument that parents need help in caring for their children and creating quiet times for themselves so that they are free to fulfill their own tasks and function, but if we are excessively employing the TV, we are risking neglecting the subtle or early signs of any real disturbance or discomfort in the child.

There are many cases when a child needs a few minutes comfort from a parent rather than a moving picture on a screen. And they all need help in keeping a sense of reality rather than escaping by habit into a world of fantasy.

Could we be merely replacing more old fashioned tools with a more powerful mechanical tool that quiets or stifles the mind as well as suppressing the natural inclination to cry when something is wrong?

There is a growing general attitude developing that the “New Age “ trend should be towards helping mothers and parents become more relaxed so that they are inclined to give more time to reconsider the matter of ‘quality time’ with their children. Certainly their decision will involve the idea of sharing more direct communication with them, instead of relying upon the diversion offered by TV - the modern ‘dummy’.