Becoming a parent is not for the faint of heart. As we parents know, we have no shortage of decisions to make. Day in and day out, we are always thinking about our children and calling the shots when it comes to their growth and well-being. Unfortunately, this also means we are prone to receiving endless, unsolicited opinions from anyone and everyone. While it can be annoying to hear that we’re not being consulted about our parenting issues, we can’t necessarily stop people from expressing those opinions. However, we can rely on this fact: these opinions do not matter. Here’s why.
When it comes to your parenting, outsiders’ opinions shouldn’t matter
When I first became a mom, I quickly realized how opinionated everyone and their brother (or, let’s be honest, everyone and their brother) can be Mother) was. From the moment I announced my pregnancy, it seemed like I couldn’t go a day without someone interfering with their thoughts on pregnancy, birth, or any other baby-related topic. I now know that outside opinions are simply not worth highlighting when it comes to raising me. Why, you ask?
That’s how they are. . . Opinion
There is no way to raise a child. Of course, there are parenting resources and support available to guide us through life with our little humans. There are plenty of social media accounts that can give us something to fight for (or sometimes oppose). For many of us, neighbors, family, friends, and coworkers are ever-ready to weigh in on our parenting decisions. Ultimately, however, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to any aspect of parenting. Opinions are personal and sometimes valid, but they are not factual. . . or mandatory.
They are not necessarily related
While I believe people generally have good intentions when expressing their opinions on all things parenting related, I also have to remind myself that their opinions may not be consistent with mine Motherhood. First, many of us today—myself included—may be raised very differently than previous generations. Things have changed in terms of what is acceptable, appropriate, and even safe in the world of human husbandry. The world has changed. We cannot expect that what worked for Aunt Sally 75 years ago will work for our family today, nor should we trust anyone else’s opinion (about anything related to parenting) is the measure of our success as parents.
People’s opinions won’t change what’s actually best for your child
At some point, we all have to listen to other people tell us what works for other people’s kids. classic? How one parent managed to get a few-month-old baby to sleep through the night. Personally, I have yet to experience eight to twelve hours of uninterrupted sleep. Am I tired? Absolutely. Have I ever asked anyone for their opinion on my family’s sleeping habits? No. Frankly, I don’t want or need to hear them. We’re doing what works for us and that’s all that matters. I know what’s best for my kids, and I’m sure you know what’s best for yours. People may think they know best what they want, but their perspective on your unique situation will never override your authority as the parent of your child.
Your parenthood is not something anyone else can decide.
That’s a given, and hopefully it serves as a healthy reminder: Your parenthood is yours, not someone else’s. It is what you are shaped by, what you experience, what you cherish. This is a beautiful gift, but in order to successfully counteract unpopular opinions, awareness and confidence in your own role is necessary. Having children can make others believe they have more of a stake in your decisions than they actually do. As I’ve discovered first hand, people love trying to convince new moms everything One can imagine. Baby names, boundaries, family traditions, chosen feeding methods—and everything in between. Regardless, this is your journey. Your parenthood cannot be unconsciously controlled, manipulated or influenced by anyone else. Their opinions simply don’t matter.
Everyone will have an opinion on your parenting style. . . but they are not important
Like everything else in life, people will have opinions on how you choose to raise your children. And you can’t always stop others from putting themselves in situations where they don’t have a voice. but you able Be confident that you can choose to take what others say with a grain of salt. You’ll never impress everyone, but there’s no reason to try. Your motherhood (or fatherhood) belongs only to you. . . When it comes to your journey with your little human, the only opinion that matters is your own.
