Medical, Feeding & Babywise Critiques
AAP Media Alert | PDF Version
American Academy of Pediatrics Statement on Parent Directed Feeding Schedules
AAP News July 1998
"stands by its latest policy statement"--Joe M. Sanders, MD, Executive Director, AAP
Health Care Providers & Others Sign Letter of Concern to AAP (PDF)
"Babywise Advice Linked to Dehydration, Failure to Thrive" | PDF Version
by Dr. Matthew Aney, reprinted from the AAP News
- In the AAP News...regarding Dr. Bucknam's 1998 response to this article
Dr. T. Berry Brazelton Statement (PDF file)
Response given to question during interview with Cincinnati Enquirer
Preparation for Parenting/Babywise tri-fold brochure
PDF format with permission granted to print and share
A Group of Case Studies
by Laurie Moody, lactation counselor and former GFI "Contact Mom"
Another Group of Examples of Parents Attempting to Follow the Method
More examples can be found on the Voices of Experience page
Analysis of GFI's Babywise/AAP Comparison Chart
A pediatrician evaluates GFI's comparison chart
"Examining the Evidence for Cue Feeding"
by Jan Barger, RN, MS, IBCLS and Lisa Marasco, MA, IBCLC
Explains the physiological basis for cue feeding recommendations
"How Does Milk Production Work?"
by Kelly Bonyata, BS, IBCLC, owner of Kellymom.com
"Conflicting Messages--A Review of Babywise 2001"
by Kathy Thile
"What to Make of Babywise" -- (PDF file)
Childbirth Instructor Journal, Nov/Dec 1999, Patty Donohue-Carey, BS, LCCE, CLE
"Problems with the 45-minute intruder portions of the 2001 Babywise"
by Laurie Moody, lactation counselor and former GFI contact mom
"Breastfeeding Frequency: The AAP vs. Babywise & Baby Whisperer"
comparison chart by Dr. Anh Gordon, et al
AAP Baby Whisperer Review
Young Physicians' Newsletter, Winter 2002, notes that scheduled feeding recommendations in Secrets of the Baby Whisperer run counter to AAP and other specialists' recommendations. Since the recommendations are the same and the two programs very similar, this warning would apply to Babywise as well.
Scheduled Feedings
Diane Wiessinger, MS, IBCLC, explains how babies' feedings fit into real life
"Baby Care Book Could be Dangerous" (PDF version)
Drs. Barry and Pamela Zuckerman, CHILD Magazine, Pediatric News opinion piece
Sheila Kitzinger's Letter from Europe: Boot Camps for Babies
BIRTH: Issues in Perinatal Care, March 2006
Letter of Concern
to their Church by Steve and Kateri Rein
"Strict Parenting Schedules"
from the Couple to Couple league
"Parenting Experiment"
by Mary Ann Griffin, RN, CNM and Jan Barger, RN, MA, IBCLC
"Religious Parenting Programs: Their Relationship to Child Abuse Prevention"
The Child Abuse Prevention Council of Orange County
Parenting Program Committee Report, Preparation for Parenting portion, May 14 1996
"Babywise--Not So Wise" | PDF (large file)
by Moire Porter, article first appeared in The Early Childhood Educator, Winter 2001
"Analysis of GFI's information on co-sleeping and SIDS"
from 1997, an analysis of a then-current GFI article may still be useful
Thirty-five unsubstantiated and/or false medical statements in Babywise '95
by Dr. Matt Aney (newer editions may have inherited some of these statements)
AllExperts: Pediatrics
David Olsen, MD, responds to a parent's question about Babywise
Child Development Critiques
Dr. James Dobson--transcript of brief remarks
Religious Parenting Programs: Their Relationship to Child Abuse Prevention
The Child Abuse Prevention Council of Orange County Parenting Program Committee Report May 14 1996
"Designed for Relationship: Infants' Brain Structures and Chemicals Respond to Nurture and Stress"
by Nancy Williams, MA, MFT, CCE, IBCLC (2006)
"How Ezzo's Child-Rearing Philosophy Impacts Psychosocial and Physical Development"
by Cheryl Tyler, M.Ed., Special Education
"BabyWise? BeWary --What Ezzo Doesn't Know About Child Development..."
by Cindy Webb, Tulsa Kids, part two
"Children Need Touching and Attention, Harvard Researchers Say"
by Alvin Powell, Harvard Research Gazette
"Controlled Crying"
Australian Association of Infant Mental Health position paper
"A Critique of GKGW" | PDF version
by Dr. Barbara Francis, Christian psychologist
"Growing Families International: An Extreme Response to Attachment Parenting"
by Dr. Barbara Francis, CAPS West Newsletter [Christian Association for Psychological Studies]
"The Anti-Spock: Confronting the Horrors Wrought by 'Child-Centered' Parenting"
by Polly Morrice, a Houston-based writer on education and parenting, published by beliefnet.
A former GFI "Contact Mom" shares from her heart
"Growing Kids the Ezzo Way"
by Dr. Philip Ryken, 10th Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia
"On Becoming Childwise: A Critique"
by Laurie Moody, mother and educator
"How Ezzo's Child-Rearing Philosophy Impacts Psychosocial and Physical Development"
by Cheryl Tyler, M.Ed., Special Education
"Religious Parenting Programs: Their Relationship to Child Abuse Prevention"
Report on Ezzo programs from the religious task force appointed by a Child Abuse Prevention Council in Orange County CA.
"A Critique of GKGW" | PDF version
by Dr. Kent McClain
"The Cultic Characteristics of Growing Families International: More than a Parenting Ministry" | PDF version
by Kathleen Terner and Elliott Miller, Christian Research Journal
"A Matter of Bias?" | PDF version
by Kathleen Terner and Elliott Miller, Christian Research Journal
Character and Ministry Controversy
An Open Letter About the Ezzotruth Site
STATEMENTS
Living Hope Excommunication Statement | PDF version
LHEF is the church which excommunicated him in 2000
GCC withdraws their endorsement
PDF version
Dr. MacArthur is Ezzo's former pastor at Grace Community Church
Phil Johnson was the elder at GCC who drafted the statement of non-endorsement
former friends and co-founders of GFI
Frank York is the former editorial director at GFI
Frank York is the former editorial director at GFI.
Does Public Criticism of Gary Ezzo Violate Matthew 18
Should critics approach Ezzo privately?
Character and Ministry Controversy
RESPONSES FROM THOSE ATTACKED BY EZZO
Ezzo attacks a questioner at a GFI Q & A session
Ezzo attacked GFI "whistle-blower" who spoke to Christianity Today
(internet archive link)
Ezzo attacked a World Magazine journalist following publication of article labeling the method controversial.
Ezzo attacked this couple whose pastor had told them to send their questions about the ministry directly to GFI.
by Rebecca Prewett
Ezzo attacked a mother whose review of his material appeared in a homeschooling journal.
Biblical & Theological Issues
"The Ethics of Ezzo"
by Tony Payne, The Briefing, Matthias Media. Critique of Ezzo's use of the Bible in his teachings.
"Growing Kids the Ezzo Way"
by Dr. Philip Ryken, 10th Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia
"Preparation for Behavioral Pediatrics"
by Rebecca Prewett
"A Critique of GKGW"
by Dr. Kent McClain, contains a list of out of context or misapplied Scriptures
Focus on the Family statement
touches briefly on misapplication of Scripture
"A Critique of Growing Kids God's Way"
from Biblical Discernment Ministries
Information about the Growing Kids God's Way Movement
by Northwest Bible Church, Oklahoma City, OK
"The Faulty Theology of the Ezzos"
by Mary Walker
Orange County Child Abuse Council's Religious Task Force report
contains some biblical analysis from the family life pastors on the committee.
Dr. Ed Coates' analysis of Reflections of Moral Innocence
an analysis of the Ezzos' sex education curriculum
Unto the Least of These: Godly Parenting of Your Baby
by Rebecca Lewis, a booklet that contains some biblical analysis of the issues
William Carey Library, P. O. Box 40129, Pasadena, CA 91114 (626) 798-0819 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
"On Becoming Childwise: A Critique"
by Laurie Moody, mother of 4 with 20 years of teaching and childcare experience
"There is No Place Like Home"
by Ellen Hrebeniuk, The Briefing, Matthias Media
"Neo-Evangelizing the Catholic Family with an Alien Gospel"
by Dr. Thomas and Jacintha Mezzetti
"Woman to Woman"
by Helen Aardsma, The Mother's Companion, Vol 4, No. 2
On Growing Kids the Ezzo Way (also, "Whose Way, After All?")
by Barbara Curtis, author. Visit her on the web at MommyLife.net
"Mothering in the Shadow of the Cross" (internet archive link)
by Rebecca Prewett
"And the Bible Sayeth, Train up a Child in the Way He Should Go"
by Dr. William Sears, Christian pediatrician and father of 8
"Home Run"
by Nancy Wilson, Credenda Agenda, Volume 8, Issue 3, reprinted by the Orthodox Presbyterian Church
"More than a Parenting Ministry"
by Kathleen Terner and Elliot Miller, Christian Research Journal, Christian Research Institute
"Growing Kids God's Way -- Not Ezzo's"
"Clarifications"
"On the Cultic Mindset, Ezzoism, and Sleeping Through the Night"
by Dr. Bob Bixby, Morningstar Baptist Church
Preparation for Parenting Class
Steve Rein's letter to his church after attending this class
"Scheduling, Routine, Flexibility, and Responsiveness: Muddling through the Maze of Conflicting Baby Advice"
by Rebecca Prewett
"Some Concerns about the Ezzo Method"
by Rebecca Prewett
"In Response"
by Rebecca Prewett (responds to Ezzo's rebuttal of above article--unfortunately no longer available on-line)
"Strict Parenting Schedules"
from the Couple to Couple league
"A Church Reviews Their Use of Materials From GFI"
A review process with a peaceful resolution
CONCERNS VOICED BY CHRISTIAN LEADERS
Christian Leaders & Organizations Voice Concerns
a partial list
News and Media Reports
"Getting Wise to Babywise" | PDF version
Salon Magazine, Katie Allison Granju
Critics Question Wisdom of 'Babywise' Parenting
by Hanna Rosin, Washington Post; as reprinted by the Seattle Times
(This reference originally was: "A Tough Plan for Raising Children Draws Fire:
Babywise Books Worry Pediatricians and Others", Washington Post.)
"Ezzos Dispense Strict Advice But Experts Are Crying Foul" (internet archive link)
by Barbara Carton, WALL STREET JOURNAL, Feb 17 1998
"BabyWise? BeWary! Who is Gary Ezzo and why..." (PDF file)
Tulsa Kids, part one, by Cindy Webb, B.S.
"BabyWise? BeWary! What Ezzo Doesn't Know About Child Development..." (PDF file)
Tulsa Kids, part two, by Cindy Webb, B.S.
"What's the Fuss over Babywise and Preparation for Parenting?" (PDF file)
by Tyler Horner, Ph. D.
"Q and A with Gary Ezzo"
by Kelly Griffith, a sidebar to the above article html version
"Raising Babies by the Book"
by Kelly Griffith, a sidebar to the above article comparing Ezzo's recommendations to those of the AAP
"Growing Criticism: Groups back away from Preparation for Parenting"
by Randy Frame in Christianity Today
"Is the Babywise Method Right For You?" (internet archive link)
by Cindy Webb, Tulsa Kids, 2003 Gold Medal Winning Article
Ezzo-fied! (internet archive link)
by Katie Allison Granju
When to Let Your Baby Cry
by Barbara Meltz, Boston Globe, June 3, 2004
Babywise--Fox-TV St. LouisTranscript
Report of the basic controversy, May 2, 2005
Babywise report--WXYZ Detroit [Video]
by Steve Wilson, Nov 2004 Part 1 of investigative report
Babywise--KAKE Wichita, KS
Report, Nov 2004
"Babies in Danger?" (PDF file)
by Jenny Deam, Ladies Home Journal, April 1999
BBC Newsnight (PDF file)
transcript of 1999 report and in-studio interview
"Wise Advice for Babies?"
by Eric Patterson, Boulder Weekly
"The Ezzos Know Best"
by Roy Maynard, WORLD Magazine 1996
"Warning: Babywise Isn't"
by Annie Chickering
"Raising Children "God's Way?"--Oh Baby!" (PDF file)
by Dr. Brian Donnelly (pediatrician), Catholic Parent
"The Brave New Baby"
by Thomas S. Giles, Christianity Today 1993
"Are the Ezzos Culturally Insensitive?"
by Thomas S. Giles, Christianity Today 1993
Religion: A Year in Review:
Comings and Goings: Dumped--Gary Ezzo
WORLD Magazine, December 2001
Babywise--Not So Wise
by Moire Porter, The Early Childhood Educator, Winter 2001
"More than a Parenting Ministry"
by Kathleen Terner and Elliott Miller, Christian Research Journal
"A Matter of Bias?"
by Kathleen Terner and Elliott Miller, Christian Research Journal
"Babywise Publisher Plans Contract Cancellation"
by Corrie Cutrer, Christianity Today, March 2001
"Babywise Almost Dropped"
by Corrie Cutrer, Christianity Today, June 2001
by Timothy Morgan, Christianity Today
by Kathleen Terner, Christian Research Institute
by Frank York, MCO Journal, Spring/Summer 2002, Midwest Christian Outreach
a writer describes his experiences working at GFI
"
by Frank York, former GFI editorial director
Links to Web Discussion Forums
FREEfromEzzo Yahoo Group
Support for former Ezzo method users
Ezzo Debate Board at Parents Place
Archives only