Chapter 30 - Index Summary and Analysis

In Chapter 30, Catherine admits she did not adapt well to ignoring Michel's crying, and that had she been more able to ignore it, he may have stopped faster. She notes she did not want to reinforce his behaviors, but that she felt compelled to hold her child, and believes other parents must feel their way through these challenges, as well, doing what is best for themselves. She also points out the problem stems from psychoanalytical thought that pushes the blame onto the mother. As such, the mother then feels torn between her desire to soothe her child and behavioral therapy methods of ignoring the behavior. She stresses a lack of help from the professional fields, and spells out for the reader techniques she used for her own children.

In Chapter 31, Catherine informs the reader Anne Marie will...