As a new parent, I often found myself overwhelmed by unsolicited advice. While I understand that friends and family mean well, there were certain pieces of wisdom I could’ve done without. Unless I specifically seek your guidance, please spare me the clichés. Here’s a list of the top ten nuggets of parenting advice that left me rolling my eyes.
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Savor Every Moment Because It Goes By So Fast.
Time may feel like it’s racing, but when you’re in the thick of sleepless nights and endless diaper changes, it can feel agonizingly slow. Just ask anyone who has survived a long deployment or a difficult life event; they’ll tell you how quickly things can seem to fly by once you’re beyond the struggle. -
Just Chill.
Oh, it’s just a wailing baby who hasn’t napped in hours? Thanks for the tip! I’ll just sip some tea and act like everything’s fine. -
Take a Nap When the Baby Naps.
The only time that’s feasible is when the baby is still in the womb—if you can even find a comfortable position. Otherwise, napping alongside a baby is a fantasy. -
They’ll Eventually Outgrow It.
While it’s true that teething will pass, many challenges of parenthood are unpredictable. Some things won’t simply resolve with time. -
It Will Get Easier.
Contrary to popular belief, parenting doesn’t necessarily become easier. There are always new challenges to face as your children grow. -
What a Joyous Age!
Yes, because who wouldn’t love dealing with a toddler’s tantrums or a preteen’s eye rolls? The fun keeps evolving, I suppose. -
Keep Trying with Breastfeeding; You’ll Get the Hang of It.
It’s not always a perfect fit for every parent. Some situations simply don’t work out, and that’s okay. -
You Should Get Out More.
Are you volunteering to babysit? Because I could use the break! -
Make Friends at Playgroups.
Finding a connection at playgroups is not as simple as picking a favorite sweater. It requires chemistry that’s often hard to come by. While I did meet some interesting moms, they often turned into unsolicited critics of my parenting. -
Have Patience.
While patience is indeed a virtue, it can feel elusive when confronted with everyday parenting challenges. I have my dignity and integrity issues, too—especially when cleaning up unexpected messes.
Eventually, I might find myself echoing some of these lines, likely forgetting the stress they caused me. Just like the ebb and flow of popular culture, my perspective will shift with time. For now, I just want to focus on surviving each day.
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In summary, unsolicited parenting advice is often frustrating, but with time, we learn to navigate our own paths as parents.