Friday, May 24, 2013

BabyDoh2

Evaluating Babywise

and Other Ezzo Programs

 

Babywise, Growing Kids God's Way [GKGW] and other parenting programs developed by Gary Ezzo and Anne Marie Ezzo are marketed through the Ezzos' for-profit organization, Growing Families International [GFI].

Churches promote the Ezzos' parenting classes and parents enthusiastically spread the word about these books and classes that promise to end sleepless nights for parents while developing virtue in babies and children.

Ardent Adherents

booksThese programs have many ardent adherents who view the Ezzos as rescuing them from a chaotic family life ruled by undisciplined children that other families who don't use their methods must surely experience.

Professional Concern

Yet health-care professionals and notable Christian leaders have expressed strong concerns and even alarm about these programs.

Information and Documentation

This website provides information and documentation about the health, child development, and theological concerns that experts and parents have reported regarding Babywise and other parenting books and programs authored by Gary and Anne Marie Ezzo.  Of course, parenting choices and values are very personal and there are a range of ways to parent well.  Ezzo.info was established in the belief that correct information empowers parents to make good decisions.

  • Health Care Professionals on Babywise +

    Rosemary Shy, MD , FAAP
    Director, Children's Choice of Michigan Ambulatory Pediatrics
    Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Wayne State University, Children's Hospital of Michigan, Detroit, Mich

    "It is dangerous to do it the way he describes," Pediatrician Dr. Rosemary Shy says of Ezzo's technique. "It puts these babies at risk for jaundice, at risk for dehydration, and at risk for failing to thrive, all of which we’ve seen."

    Wilson, Steve, "Baby Care Controversy," WXYZ-Detroit, November 14, 2004

    Arnold Tanis, MD, FAAP
    1999 recipient, John H. Whitcomb Outstanding Pediatrician Award, presented by the

    … Read More

  • Ezzo.info Notes With Sorrow... +

    Ezzo.info notes with sorrow the passing of Michael Mahurin, aka "Metochoi," a pastor who became concerned about the Ezzos' teachings on parenting when he encountered parents, even in his own flock, who believed that following the Ezzos' teachings was the only faithful approach to Christian parenting. Pastor Mike responded by vigorously teaching biblical hermeneutics, logic, and core Christian doctrines like grace and law, both in his congregation and in online discussions. A gifted teacher with an irrepressible sense of humor, Metochoi equipped many Christian parents to use basic biblical hermeneutics

    … Read More

  • An Open Letter about the EzzoTruth Site +

    Summary of This Open Letter

    A site called Ezzotruth.com portrays authors Gary and Anne Marie Ezzo as victims of attacks on their parenting programs and personal character by unprincipled people. Because many of the accusations at the site have been discussed in the past, Ezzo.info simply suggests two things to consider: whether the Ezzos’ claims of victimhood at the hands of numerous reputable Christian leaders are believable and whether the results in the Ezzos’ own family support their teaching. The debate is wearying, but it is crucial to the Christian

    … Read More
  • 1

Free downloadable parent education brochure

  • research-based answers
  • print and share with your pediatrician
  • leave some with your health department
  • Give one to your pastor or Christian ed department

Key Documentation

LIVING HOPE EVANGELICAL FELLOWSHIP:
Excommunition Statement

GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH:
Statement about Ezzo - Materials

GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH:
Statement about Ezzo - Character

CHRISTIAN RESEARCH INSTITUTE:
"The Cultic Characteristics of Growing Families International"
(originally titled "More than a Parenting Ministry")

CHRISTIAN RESEARCH INSTITUTE:
"GFI"
(orginally titled "A Matter of Bias?")

CHRISTIANITY TODAY:
Unprepared to Teach Parenting?

CHRISTIANITY TODAY:
Babywise Publisher Plans Contract Cancellation

AMERICAN ACADEMY of PEDIATRICS:
Media Alert