Parenting advice is a curious thing. I quickly learned that soliciting advice is like rolling out a welcome mat for unsolicited opinions about my parenting choices. “Hey, Aunt Carol, how did you get your kids to sleep at night?”
“Oh, that’s useful…and while we’re at it, please share your thoughts on my child’s diet, education, discipline techniques, and the fact that he could use a haircut. Fantastic. Thanks for that.”
This is precisely why I have a strong aversion to unsolicited advice. But you know what irks me even more? Shoddy pseudo-scientific studies that pretend to offer sound advice.
If you have access to the internet, I challenge you to visit any major news website and try to avoid coming across a study related to parenting. Good luck with that! Recently, I discovered that:
- Watching TV can harm your child’s self-esteem—unless they happen to be a white boy, in which case it’s beneficial for their self-worth.
- Self-esteem is crucial, but be careful not to promote it too much, or you might just raise a narcissist.
- The prevalence of narcissism is soaring, much like the obesity rates in this country.
It’s quite a feat, given that obesity seems almost unavoidable, especially for kids glued to the TV. But hey, it’s all good for the white male child, who may be overweight yet possesses a stellar self-image (and perhaps a sprinkle of narcissism).
Are you as confused and frustrated as I am? You’re not alone! If I read one more parenting study, I might just lose my mind. Who funds these studies, anyway? Typically, they come from a panel of individuals who aren’t parents themselves. Since the dawn of time, there has been a market for this kind of nonsense.
I can imagine the very first mother, sitting in her cave, cursing the rocky floor because her little one wouldn’t stop crying. I’m sure she was just as sleep-deprived as I was six months ago! Regardless of what some so-called experts have concluded from their double-blind studies, parents throughout history have managed to raise their children without this overwhelming flood of “knowledge.”
So, to those poorly designed studies funded by companies selling oatmeal and conducted by ambitious undergrads trying to make a name for themselves: please, spare us your findings. And media outlets? Stop publishing this nonsense. You’re genuinely not helping anyone.
This modern-day parent is seconds away from a meltdown. If you’re interested in more insightful parenting discussions, check out one of our other blog posts here. And if you’re on the journey of at-home insemination, consider visiting Make a Mom for reliable insemination kits. Additionally, for comprehensive information on pregnancy and home insemination, UCSF is an excellent resource.
In summary, the world of parenting studies can be overwhelming and often contradictory. While advice can be well-intentioned, it’s important to remember that every parent’s journey is unique, and sometimes, it’s best to trust your instincts above all else.
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