Parenting Doubts

Every parent is plagued with self-doubt about their ability to raise a child. Every parent second-guesses their decision on a parenting issue. Every choice is no longer obvious. Every decision is agonized over, and researched, and made only to be revisited by second thoughts. It starts from the moment the child is conceived. Do we go with a mid-wife or an OB? Epidural or natural? Home birth or hospital? Then it's to breast feed or not. Cloth diapers vs. disposables? Jarred baby food or home made? Which stroller? Day care? Grandparents? Nanny? Quit job and stay at home?
So many decisions, and so many opinions from every sector - grandparents, friends, "parenting" experts, nosy neighbours, your spouse, the doctor. Everybody and their dog has an opinion to which you must listen. It's no wonder that parents are plagued with self doubt all the time.
But recently, Devlin has started to contribute his two cents worth and compounded the issue for me. Well, really, it's made me wonder if he's not getting too sassy, and whether or not we should institute that old-fashioned parenting rule "Children are to be seen and NOT heard."
We all know Ceilidh is no longer a great eater whenever we're (mom and dad) are present. She apparently eats well for others, but every supper, unless we're dining on McDonald's, there is a battle royale with Ceilidh. Aside from pleading and threatening, what works best with Ceilidh is spoon-feeding. But she's almost 4 and my patience is wearing very very thin. Aisling feeds herself! That's not even getting into the issue of her unwillingness to eat meat (unless it's hot dogs or breaded and deep fried) and vegetable that's not a cucumber.
Of course, she eats very very well for Halmuhnee. Grandma spoon-feeds her, and ensures she always gets her favorite foods. At a recent family gathering, Ceilidh sat next to Grandma and proceeded to eat everything!
"Ceilidh, why do you eat so well for Halmuhnee and not for Mommy or Daddy?" I asked.
Before she could respond, Devlin quipped, "Maybe she likes Grandma's cooking better than your cooking."

Then there's Aisling who isn't being very cooperative with potty-training. Initially, she was enthusiastic and even volunteered to sit on the potty. Not so much anymore. Every time I suggest she sit on the potty and go pee, she replies "Nope. No way. Mommy, change my bum." Once in awhile, she will comply with Daddy's request.
We started a sticker chart for her. That worked for a bit. Now, the lure of the shiny stickers has lost its appeal. She has even begun to resist our nanny's attempts to her to pee on the potty. So, I've suggested using Smarties as a reward since Aisling loves "treats". There's been some success with this tactic.
Again, I was lamenting to my husband about Aisling's resistance to potty training, particularly to my requests. I commented about her off and on willingness to pee for Rose, our nanny.
Devlin, overhearing this, once again added his two-cents.
"Well, maybe she thinks Rose is her mommy!"

Thanks Devlin for adding to my self-doubts as a mothers. Thanks for making me question (again) every decision I've made as a mother. Thanks again for making me feel like I am in the running for the Most Ineffective Mother of the Year.