Independence comes from security & security comes from having our needs met when we are very dependent. Parenting practices in the peaceful cultures actually grow children with more capacity to calm their angry emotions, be better problem solvers, more kind, empathetic, cooperative, & loving. Solitary sleeping by co-sleeping children has been shown to come only about a year later than for those who sleep alone form birth and benefit by lower incidence of infant mortality along with increased security, resilience, self-confidence, & greater comfort with affectional touch. Since 2005 the American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended room-sharing as a way to reduce Sudden Infant Death. Chapter 6 of The Mindful Parent gives much evidenced based Early Brain Research as to the benefits of nurturing on a baby's developing brain.