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Evaluating Ezzo Programs
Where to Begin?
Ezzo.info contains quite a lot of information about Babywise and other material authored by Gary Ezzo. Here are a couple of starting places.
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 law and grace, 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 and basic logic to evaluate the Ezzo's teachings. In remembrance, here are links to two series he wrote.
Evaluating Biblical Arguments: A Short Course in Biblical Hermeneutics
Growing Kids God's Way [GKGW] and other parenting programs developed by Gary Ezzo and Anne Marie Ezzo have been popularized in recent years through their religious organization, Growing Families International [GFI], and through their secular line of books including On Becoming Babywise. These programs have many ardent adherents. Yet health-care professionals and notable Christian leaders have expressed concerns and even alarm about these programs.
This website exists to provide information and documentation to help parents, pastors, and other interested persons evaluate this program.
Large index of critiques, evaluations and news articles linked or hosted here.
- Infant Feeding Concerns
The American Academy of Pediatrics and breastfeeding professionals have raised many concerns about the Ezzos' infant feeding advice as presented in Babywise and Preparation for Parenting.
- Child Development Issues
It is generally recognized that parents should balance requirements for obedience with age-appropriate expectations. Experienced parents as well as experts in child development find GFI's programs fall short in this area.
- Theological and Biblical Concerns
GFI's programs are marketed to Christian churches. A wide range of critics say GKGW and Preparation for Parenting misuse Scriptures to make key points and elevate the authors' own applications of Scripture so that they become confused with the Scriptural principles themselves.
- Concerns about Divisiveness
Critics observe that aspects of the presentation are divisive and have caused disruption in churches, families, and friendships.
- Character Counts
An author's integrity allows readers to trust his work. Christian leaders and others have reluctantly concluded that the Ezzos have exhibited character flaws that undermine this trust.
- Voices of Experience
The authors claim millions of success stories and have many supporters, but many families who initially considered their experience a success have reconsidered the value of what they learned when problems developed or as they became more experienced parents.
