Observer journalist seeks parents as case studies

DonnaLFerguson

I'm a journalist writing an article for the Observer and have been given permission to make posts on the MSE forums.

I am looking for a parent who is willing to talk about stuff they perhaps never expected to spend money on buying for their children, but have ended up doing so for one reason or another. Either stuff that was a waste of money, or stuff that everyone else thinks is a waste of money but you actually found incredibly worthwhile.

For example, sleep gadgets, Craniosacral massage and homeopathic remedies eg for teething/sleeping.

Also those amber necklaces that ward off evil teething spirits.

Courses to speed up child’s development eg signing, crawling, Mozart/Bach, playing music to your bump through special headphones,

Sleep gadgets - dreamsheeps and other toys, aromatherapy oils, cushion nightlight, baby carrier with built in speakers.

Food gadgets eg magnetic bibs, weaning machines.

If anyone is willing to talk about this stuff and the amount of money they spent, and why they bought it, and whether it was a waste of money or not, please get in touch by emailing donna.freelancer@gmail.com. Ideally you'd need to be willing to be photographed but this is not essential.

Thanks
Donna

Guineapigsqueaks

Do all these products actually exist? What on Earth is a weaning machine? I can't imagine you'll find many money savers on this site who will have wasted their money like this. I certainly haven't. I suppose I bought a second hand plastic baby bath for about £5 and realised it was quicker and easier to use the bath already in my bathroom. Although, I have often wondered if I would generally be less annoyed as a person if I had had the opportunity of doing yoga as a baby ;-).

Guineapigsqueaks x

Carl31

Evil teething spirits? Is that sarcasm?

I need to Google that shiz, that can't be real

topdaddy_2

So you want to talk to nutters?

bigmomma051204

I think that the tone in your post, especially the comment "Also those amber necklaces that ward off evil teething spirits.", will probably put off people who seriously DO buy into it all. You sound very sceptical - so it is already sounding like an article which will mock those who offer their experiences....NOT an un-biased, open-minded article (Which is surely the best starting point?) For what its worth, I think most of that is a load of pap too, and actually I truly think that the Amber bracelets are a dangerous and risky item to buy BUT I think you have shot yourself in the foot :cool: You may get some response from people who have had a go with these types of item but were not keen, but those most interesting people, the ones who totally buy into it all, will be put off speaking with you... Maybe get rid of that line :cool:

As an Early Years professional, lots of the families I know swear by those Nelsons Teetha granules

kingfisherblue

Oh dear, I don't think I would be a suitable candidate. I don't fit your criteria at all - no weird gadgets, no courses to speed up my children's development, no teething necklaces. Although one son does have a wedge in his bed to ensure that he sleeps semi-upright, due to medical problems. All three of my children sign as well (in a limited capacity) because the same son has speech difficulties and is hard of hearing.


Maybe, though, I should have played music to my bump, or sent them on courses for classical music - then they might have been able to sing in tune - instead, they are as tone deaf as I am (I would have inserted a smiley, but they don't seem to be working!)

Tiddlywinks

So, you've already - yet again - decided on the conclusion of the 'research' (carried out WITHOUT case studies) and are now looking for people to fit your mould?

That is very poor journalism indeed.

Errata

Food gadgets eg weaning machines.

First time I've come across a parent being referred to as a 'gadget' or a 'machine'.

Lily-Rose_3

Well I'm not personally interested, as I have never bought any items like the ones mentioned in the opening post, but is it really necessary to be so rude to the OP? Is it because she's a journalist, ergo; people automatically have their backs up, and read things that aren't even there in order to have a go?!

I didn't see any signs of 'mocking' or 'being skeptical,' or 'putting down' anyone, and I think her opening post was intended as light hearted and tongue-in-cheek.

If people don't want to take part then don't, but why the rudeness towards the OP? Did I miss something? Has she offended or upset people in the past?

Hopefully, someone will come along to help you Donna. Not sure if you'll have much luck though, as I can't imagine many people using much - if any- of the stuff you mentioned. Not on here anyway.

Have you tried Mumsnet? Netmums? You may have better luck there.

Errata

Did I miss something? Has she offended or upset people in the past?

No idea, but Donna Ferguson never hits the thanks button on any posts in her many threads asking people to contact her for her planned articles. Perhaps people find that offensive?

Lily-Rose_3

Errata wrote: »

No idea, but Donna Ferguson never hits the thanks button on any posts in her many threads asking people to contact her for her planned articles. Perhaps people find that offensive?

Well if that IS the reason, then that's pathetic.