Very true. I was always judged for my parenting by my sister. She had her children in her 20s. I was in my 40s. I didn't have my children 'cry it out'. I held them and nurtured them. Because I worked, if they woke up crying in the middle of the night, they slept in my bed until they felt secure to go in their own beds. They grew up knowing that they were my world and very loved. They know that their lives made my life complete.

Being a child from a very neglectful, physically and emotionally abusive parents, I see a huge difference between people raised like I was and people that felt they were born in a safe place to live. It is wonderful that you've given this to your children. I also was in my 40's when I became a mom and have done everything differently. It is amazing how kids that feel safe love their parents. I never felt that way with mine. Of course I'd obey but that was out of fear not love or understanding of why I was obeying. Nothing was explained to me and there was no guidance. It was either physical abuse or shame, blame and left to feel inadequate.