Isn’t it amusing how everyone seems to have an opinion on parenting? From the best stroller to buy to which extracurricular activities your child should pursue, the unsolicited advice can feel endless. After a few years of parenting, it becomes easier to dismiss these well-intentioned suggestions. Here are 13 pieces of advice that most parents could really do without.
-
You Must Have a Swing/Bouncer/Mamaroo
Sure, these gadgets sound essential, but you’ll only know which one you need when you find yourself at 3 a.m., drenched in baby spit-up, trying to soothe a newborn who thinks it’s Broadway time. -
Just Let Them Cry It Out
We tried the “cry it out” method years ago, and while it was uneventful then, my son now screams in his sleep like he’s auditioning for an action movie. Who knew there was a thing called “whoa it out”? -
Limit Screen Time
As much as I’d love to enforce a screen-free household, my toddler’s idea of fun is tossing blocks at my feet while I try to shower. I’d take screen time over dodging flying toys any day. -
Encourage Independent Play
When I suggest my kids play by themselves, it usually leads to them taping themselves to the kitchen gate. Apparently, “independent play” means “let’s see how much trouble we can cause.” -
Share the Weekend Wake-Up Duty
Sure, let’s alternate mornings. But somehow, they wake up at 7:30 a.m. on his day and 4:30 a.m. on mine. And I have the hearing of a hawk, so even a sniffle has me wide awake, trying to shake my husband out of his slumber. -
Establish a Bedtime Routine
We attempted the bedtime routine once, but it turned into a three-hour saga. Now, it’s a simple “good night” and a quick kiss. Me? I could use a bedtime routine myself—with cocktails and a sitcom, of course. -
Be Flexible with Schedules
Sure, I’ll be flexible—right after you come over and try to soothe a child who’s in tears because their hamburger isn’t perfectly symmetrical. Trust me, it’s not as easy as it sounds. -
Your Son Needs to Toughen Up
Let’s be clear: if you wouldn’t say it to a girl, don’t say it to a boy. Emotional strength isn’t gender-specific. -
Enroll Them in Expensive Preschools
What my child really needs is some dirt, a yogurt container, and a few friends to play with. Preschool shouldn’t cost as much as a small car! -
Your Baby Needs a Hat
If you want to help, how about you just walk behind me and hold the baby’s head for a while? -
You Should Stay Home
I loved staying home with my kids for a while, but money doesn’t grow on trees. If I didn’t work, I can hear the disapproving comments already: “You should feed those kids!” -
You Should Go Back to Work
Finding good, affordable childcare is like hunting for unicorns. After interviewing a few babysitters who look like they’ve just escaped a horror movie, you might reconsider your stance. -
You Should… Anything
At the end of the day, we’re all doing our best with the hand we’ve been dealt. While cooking from scratch and reading to our kids sounds ideal, sometimes survival takes precedence. Just remember to give yourself a break, and when you do get a chance to sleep in, don’t forget the earplugs!
For more relatable parenting insights, check out this post. And if you’re exploring options for at-home insemination, this site offers reliable kits. For more information on pregnancy and home insemination, consider this resource.
In summary, parenting advice can be overwhelming and often impractical. It’s essential to remember that every family is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Cut yourself some slack and navigate your parenting journey on your own terms.
Leave a Reply