Goddess: Celebrity Moms and Dads‘Spotlight to Nightlight’: Mayim Bialik: From Teen Icon to Unconventional Mom
Anyone who watched TV in the early '90s knows Mayim Bialik as Blossom Russo, the lovable teen who lived with her two brothers and hung out with her best friend, Six. After making her mark as a Gen X TV icon, Mayim took nearly 15 years off to earn a doctorate degree and start a family. She now has two young sons (Miles and Fred) and has returned to TV in high-profile guest spots on "Bones" and "Saving Grace." On this episode of "Spotlight to Nightlight," host Ali Landry catches up with Mayim and talks about her non-traditional approach to parenting.
Ali's Take
I have to say that I was both nervous and excited to talk to Mayim because I had heard she had a very unique parenting style. There are so many interesting/somewhat controversial things that she is doing with her family: elimination communication, bed sharing, home schooling, home birth, and choosing not to vaccinate her kids. I knew it was going to be an enlightening interview.
First of all, Mayim needs to write a book. She has a way of presenting this style of parenting in such a way that it is understandable, relatable, and less "taboo." I was completely captivated. She made me think about parenting in a completely different way. I love and appreciate how in tune she is with her children's needs. I mean, for you to be able to successfully practice elimination communication you really have to know your child and every little sign they are giving you and then be disciplined enough to follow through. She also spoke about bed sharing, which I had always read was so dangerous. I can remember waking up in the middle of the night panicked from a dream that Estela was in the bed with us and under the covers, or being afraid I'd fall asleep while nursing. Mayim explained that there is a very safe way to have a family bed, but that there are rules. She and her husband use separate blankets for themselves so the baby is never covered by mistake. Also, the baby and toddler never sleep next to each other. One thing that Mayim has done with her kids that I could totally relate to is baby wearing. Wearing Estela was one of my favorite things besides nursing her that really bonded us and instantly calmed her. I still will wear her today because we both enjoy it so much.
I could go on and on about my interview with Mayim. What I really appreciated was that she said all of her parenting choices were made through lots of research and that while they work for her family, they are not for everyone. I am definitely going to research some of her parenting techniques and will try to incorporate some in my next go 'round.
Special thanks to Pumpkinheads Kids Boutique in Brentwood, California for hosting us!
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