In a recent post to Lactnet, I stated the below, related to the Ezzo's use of
signing.

<<  In the Ezzo's program, if the child doesn't sign the appropriate sign --
or,
  for that matter, touch the parent's arm and say, "May I make an appeal" when
  there is disagreement, or whatever, then the child is chastised.  I will
  leave it to the lact-groups fervent imagination as to what "chastisement" is
  if you don't sign the correct sign for "please" or "more".>>

It was pointed out to me by a Lactnet member that nowhere in the books does
Ezzo state the child should be "chastised" if he/she doesn't sign.
"Chastisement" in Ezzo-speak is commonly known as spanking, and spanking is
not used in the pretoddler phase of development.  "Spanking, as traditionally
understood, is not an acceptable form of correction during the pretoddler
phase of development.  Parents should gradually introduce that form of
correction between fifteen and eighteen months of age."  (Preparation for the
Toddler Year, p. 51)

The four methods of discipline that are recommended for the pretoddler
(before 15 months) are:

Verbal reprimands, isolation, loss of a privilege or toy, and a light to
moderate squeeze or swat to the hand. (Prep, p. 50)

"When you sense that your child understands [signing] but refuses to say it
back, use natural consequences to reinforce the correct response.  If he
desires more food, do not give him any until he signs.  If he desires to get
down, keep him in his chair.  If youfind yourself getting into a power
struggle, isolate the child rather than giving him the opportunity to
challenge you directly."  (Prep, p. 55)

  What I said was incorrect, and I apologize to all of you for misleading you
r/t what Ezzo says in his Preparation for the Toddler Years (and it's
counterpart, Babywise Book II) regarding signing and chastisement.  I hope
this clears it up.

Jan Barger, RN, MA, IBCLC
Wheaton, IL
"Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy and taste good
with VEGEMITE!"

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