How much do proven statistics influence your parenting choices?

What Des said.





I'm analytical, and factual proof is important to me. But, sometimes, I can read right through it and see how the data has been skewed, or sometimes, I know that it really doesn't apply to my situation. Common sense, combined with factual data, is what works for me.How much do proven statistics influence your parenting choices?
I do not vaccinate.


I practice baby-led weaning.


I am pro breastfeeding but not anti-formula


I believe in delayed start of solids (6 months or beyond)


I'm all for co-sleeping (although we only did one month)


I will be making my own baby food when the time comes


I believe in CIO if it's necessary, but we haven't had to practice it with our daughter


I will spank for serious offenses


I believe in nurturing the growing mind instead of plopping them in front of the TV (although it's not forbidden)





So... some of the ';proven statistics'; influence me, I guess, but I ultimately make my own decisions as to how I am going to raise my child.How much do proven statistics influence your parenting choices?
I look at the statistics but I also do as much research as possible. I talk to other parents, my children's pediatrician, look on the internet and see if it all adds up. I make my decisions based on all of that and how I feel about it. When my children are old enough to make their own decisions I will also get their opinion on choices that will affect them.
Seeing as I have NO clue what most of the statistics are, they influence my choice very little.





I mean really...I have a hard time believing that whether being a ';baby wearer'; or whether you use cloth or disposable diapers really, truly, has a big effect on a childs psyche. I didn't even realize they had statistics for stuff like that before I starting using Y/A!
people are going to quibble with the concept of ';proven statistics';





but proof aside, convincing statistics do influence my parenting choices unless there's something about those statistics that strikes me as making them inapplicable to my own situation.





i'm all for using facts when available.
My first reaction was to say ';None'; but in reality I'm sure I give some attention to them. For example: Studies show (and I'm a testament to) children who have access to fine arts do better in school than those who don't. I'm a big fan of finger painting, shower singing, and play-doh balls squished into the carpet. I say those are signs of genius at work!
It depends on the statistic. Say for instance, if they said that if your child eats peas for breakfast every morning he/she will be smarter, but my child hated peas, I wouldn't bother.





I usually only pay attention to the statistics about safety.
Hardly. I mean, I do take them into account, but if a ';study'; comes up with some conclusion that is incredibly illogical, I won't pay much attention to it. And, the people doing the study has a big affect too...
it depends on who is proving those statistics. i really think there are stats to prove just about anything. i think the important thing is to weigh what you know with what works for your family.
Zero. I don't have time to research, usually. Between goofing off on here, and facebook and the other site, I barely have time to be a parent at all. :p
None whatsoever. I make my parenting choices by my own beliefs, not any sort of article that's out there.
Parenting choices?? Not really.





Lifestyle choices?? To a certain point.
None. I use my own ideas and try my own things for parenting. I'm not going to let some study tell me how to raise my kids.
I agree with Amanda and Des.