A recent viral video pokes fun at the absurdity of parenting advice.
A few years back, I encountered an article that cautioned against praising a child as “smart.” The premise was that such labels could foster anxiety about living up to them. Really? Now, expressing that sentiment is considered detrimental parenting? This is just one of many contradictory messages parents receive.
Consider the confusing directives: don’t raise your voice, yet don’t overlook them. Avoid cooking multiple meals but also encourage them to finish what’s in front of them. Refrain from co-sleeping, but don’t let them cry excessively. Emphasize their appearance but not too much. The contradictions are endless, and it’s high time we shed light on their absurdity.
Enter the creative minds behind the popular YouTube channel, Parenting Unplugged: Sarah Lewis, Mark Thompson, and Lisa Grant, who adeptly highlight the ludicrous nature of common parenting advice. They illustrate just how unreasonable some of the guidance circulating in the parenting community can be.
“I can’t believe I fell into the trap of telling my daughter she was pretty,” one parent laments. “Oh no! Didn’t you read that article I forwarded?” another parent responds. “You’re supposed to help her appreciate her entire being rather than just her looks!”
“Much of our content is inspired by the multitude of clickbait articles that claim to reveal ‘The One Thing You Should Never Say To Your Child,’” Lisa explained to a parenting forum. “I often find myself second-guessing any compliment I offer my daughter, concerned about the psychological implications.”
Another parent sheepishly admitted, “Last night, I told my son, ‘Good job!’ for finishing his dinner.” The response was immediate: “How could you? Don’t you know that can impact his relationship with food for years to come?”
“Honestly, the most irritating advice I ever received was to never tell my child to ‘hurry up,’” shared Sarah. “Have you ever tried to get a toddler ready on time? It’s like living in a world where clocks don’t exist!”
In a humorous twist, they shared anecdotes about how the simplest instructions can lead to unforeseen consequences. “I told my child not to touch his poop, and now he seems to have developed a complex about his own body,” another parent added with a chuckle.
The key takeaway? Approach parenting advice with skepticism. It’s unrealistic—and frankly absurd—to attempt to adhere to every piece of guidance you encounter. For further insights on related topics, you can explore our other blog posts, such as this one on home insemination, which provides useful information for prospective parents. For those interested in enhancing fertility, Make A Mom offers expert resources on male fertility. Additionally, if you’re looking for comprehensive information on pregnancy, MedlinePlus is an excellent resource.
In summary, navigating parenting advice can feel like an impossible task. Instead, focus on what feels right for you and your family, rather than trying to follow every trend or guideline.