A mum-of-one and her husband have turned heads after revealing that they still sleep in the same bed as their daughter and have no plans of stopping.
When Caroline Chirichella became pregnant with her first child, she vowed to become a “textbook” mum and follow the “norms” of society.
But then, she welcomed Lucia, now aged four and has since adopted a “softer” parenting approach, including not sending her to school until she is five years old and letting the tot sleep in the same bed.
However, the writer, aged 34, says that not everyone agrees with her attitudes, with parents often commenting that she’s “too close” with her daughter.
“If I’m not supposed to be close with my four-year-old daughter – my flesh and blood – then who should I be this close to?” Caroline, from Guardia, Italy, told NeedToKnow.co.uk.
“In the past, people have commented that not sending my daughter to school was a mistake, but quite frankly, she is exactly where she should be.
“I teach my daughter from home, she knows the alphabet, numbers, shapes and days of the week – often, she completes puzzles for eight-year-olds.
“I have told these parents that they make choices they feel are best for them and their children, so I will do the same.
“I do sometimes question my parenting style, as I wonder if being too close with her has caused some dependency issues – but all children go through phases.
“Kids should be given the time and space that they need to grow and that sometimes includes going through these phases.
“I believe each parent has the right to choose how they raise their children, as long as it’s safe and healthy.”
Caroline previously hit the headlines after revealing her relationship with her husband, who is 23 years her senior, Vito, now aged 57.
She explains her reasons behind co-sleeping and said it’s helped them to get a good night’s rest, as well as strengthening the relationship with her husband.
The writer said: “Luckily, this hasn’t caused any intimacy problems.
“If anything, it’s made our relationship, and our sex life, stronger since I see what a wonderful and loving father my husband is – it’s made me love him even more.
“It’s allowed for us to get consistent good nights of sleep, which we all really need, but there have been some issues.
“Sometimes, my daughter wants to go to bed and I won’t leave her sleeping alone, as I’m nervous about her falling off our high bed.
“When the time comes to move her into her own bed, my plan is to involve her in the process, such as letting her pick a bed, sheets and a night lamp.
“I honestly don’t know at what age I will push this, since right now, it’s not a concern of ours.
“I love sleeping next to my daughter and hearing her breathe – it comforts me.
“I have no plans of stopping anytime soon.”
Growing up, she was part of a supportive and loving family, which she believes has been the inspiration for creating a similar environment within her own home.
However, Caroline says it’s all about balance and claims that more parents need to also be their children’s friends, rather than only an authoritative figure.
The 34-year-old added: “There is no guidebook to parenting, since all parents and their children are different.
“People will always find something to comment on, even if it’s none of their business, but it’s all about balance.
“You want your child to feel loved and supported, while knowing that they are safe.
“I also want her to feel like she can talk to me about anything without feeling scared or ashamed and this all starts with love.
“My daughter knows what true love is and whatever choices she makes in life will have our full support.
“There’s no such thing as ‘normal’ as this is outdated – I think the most important thing is to parent children with love, respect and honesty.”
