Surviving the Barrage of Unsolicited Parenting Tips
It seems that the moment you let others in on the fact that you are pregnant you start getting pummeled with parenting advice. You get it from your parents, the in-laws, grandparents, siblings, friends, friends of friends and strangers passing by in the street. It can all be very overwhelming and sometimes hard to take, especially when pregnancy and post natal hormones are raging and sleep is in short supply. As tough as it is sometimes to keep your thoughts to yourself, there are times when it may be easier to do so. That said, there are other instances where speaking your mind is completely justified.
The line between helpful advice and annoying or harmful advice is often a fine one. In many instances it comes down to intention. People often offer tips and guidance when they feel that they can really help. Unfortunately, the onslaught of advice can get annoying when it seems never-ending. When someone gives you a nugget of unsolicited wisdom it is a good idea, if you can, to mentally step back from the situation and think about whether you are reacting to just this one opinion or if your reaction is based on a build-up of emotion from all of the information being thrown at you.
It is also a good idea to consider the source of the advice. If the person is someone you love and trust they are probably just trying to make life easier for you. However, if the same person is constantly throwing spontaneous suggestions your way, it is probably time to say something. Also, if another person oversteps your authority as a parent without having been given your permission to do so, you need to say something. Explain politely and firmly that, while you respect that he/she has a different parenting style than you do, you are the parent and get to make the decisions in this case.
Unsolicited parenting advice can be a touchy subject to deal with, but taking a moment to sift the good from the good from the bad can really help maintain relationships.
Posted by eMommie Blogger Kim P.- Mom to Findlay
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Tags: child, children, dad, dads, kids, mom, moms, new mom stuff, parenting, parents, pregnancy
