[Amythestmama]

Originally Posted by Mama2MeadowRose

In various places, the Bible does address weaning. Probably the most well-known example is Samuel. When he was weaned, his mother gave him over to Samuel to be given to the priest Eli to minister in the Temple. There's no way he was any younger than 3 years old. He had to have been able to serve in some way even at that young age. But there's no way Hannah handed a baby over to Eli. My husband just told me that typically Jewish people taught their children to read from the Torah at age 3. So children were techniquely considered infants until at least age 3, not like 9 months to a year like here in America. Why do American parents tend to make their children grow up too fast? Because of American philosophy, we have so many emotionally detached children. And need I mention breastfeeding? 6 Months old is not old enough to be weaned from the best nutrition source available - mama's milk. I used to be just like every other American who thought that breastfeeding a child who is able to walk already is just disgusting. But not anymore now knowing the nutrional benefits of breastmilk and just how much tiny children still need unconditional love and affection. Yes, even if they can walk at 9 months, they are still precious little babies who need as much kindness and love we can give them!

I always thought personally anyway, that Samuel was probably closer to 5. Just b/c I couldn't, even as a child and teen, imagine sending your baby, just weaned, away. I still think that just b/c I want to.
On a personal level, I agree with this idea. I don't always practice it and it was a good reminder. I get annoyed when I see parents who have been tender and loving to their child and suddenly that child turns 1 and they launch into this huge battle to get this perfectly behaved child that sits thru an hour of Sunday school, another hour and a half of church, and then later that day sits thru another hour and a half of church services that are for adults. Anyway...I'm getting ranty here!