Moms Talk: Internet Parenting—Do You Do It?

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Do you use the internet to help you raise your children? Vaccinations, fluoride, breast-feeding, product recalls, sanitizing, autism, cancer … the list of issues that drive parents crazy goes on and on.

At least three times a week I find myself searching the Web for information to help me with the choices I make regarding my kids: my 13-year-old daughter, 6-year-old son and 2-month-old girl. With every sunrise there are new revelations, statistics and criticisms that usually make parents feel insecure about how they are raising their children. It becomes overwhelming because it seems that for every pro there is a con, and both are backed by a Ph.D. and/or government watchdog.

I am even finding discrepancies in the information I receive from the pediatricians within the same medical group on questions such as: Does a mother’s dairy intake affect the gassiness of her breast-fed baby? Or, should vaccines be broken down into separate sittings? 

Now rather than just considering the source of information, I consider whether or not the product or perspective has stood the test of time. My recent favorites have been La Leche League website for breast-feeding and the book Food Rules for nutrition tips.

So what do you do?

Whom do you rely on to give you the information you need to raise healthy and happy children, especially when there are so many contradictions? Do you use the Internet to diagnose or treat your children? Do you trust WebMD? Older, more experienced pediatricians? The FDA? Grandma?