Despite the fact that it may appear that I am in the “parenting business,” I really do not feel particularly comfortable offering up specific and heavy-handed parenting advice. Partly because of my writings on parenting and family life, and partly because I tend to always have a house full of kids and as older teens, they appear to have survived most of their childhood relatively unscathed—I do get approached for advice regularly. I also try to find my own mentors to ask for advice. But, it always seems like a bit of a slippery slope…
The thing is—every child and every parent is different. Family dynamics differ too. What may seem like stubbornness in one child could be a learning disability in another. There are some “general” child development stages and some overall tips for parents, but everything is so unique and individualized. Plus, I do think that many parents KNOW intuitively what is right (or at least partially right) for their child and their situation but too many expert voices can muddy up the waters and make it difficult for the parent to hear her own voice.
The same goes with the parenting advice I’ve received over the years. The best advice has been supportive, encouraging advice that boosts my own confidence and helps me to trust my own intuition and approach. The criticism or the “If it was me, I would…” advice hasn’t been nearly as much help. There have been times when I’ve been fortunate enough to meet parents who have been through very similar situations and just hearing them tell their stories is a big help. There is something about knowing that you are not alone and that other parents have been through it and survived that boosts one’s spirits.
So, giving and taking parenting advice? I guess it should all be taken with a grain of salt and used sparingly. After all, you never really know until you have walked in the other parent’s shoes!
See Also: Parenting Bag of Tricks
Where Do You Go For Parenting Advice?
What Was the Best Parenting Advice You Ever Received?