Anyone who’s been a parent for even a brief moment knows the flood of unsolicited advice can be overwhelming. Initially, it might feel helpful—who wouldn’t want tips on handling a newborn’s belly button? But as time passes, the advice from relatives, strangers, and even those without kids can become irritating. As the parent of your own unique children, you know deep down that many of these nuggets of wisdom are just plain wrong. Here are my top five “least favorite” myths about young kids:
1. They Will Eventually Run Out of Energy
Nope, they won’t. Kids possess an endless reservoir of energy that seems to spike just when parents are ready to crash. Just when you think that crying baby is out of steam, or that hyperactive toddler can’t possibly bounce off another piece of furniture, they find a second wind.
2. They’ll Sleep When They’re Tired
If only this was true! Sure, it sounds logical, but in reality, many children will not just drift off when they’re sleepy. Without my constant reminders for naptime and bedtime, my kids would become so overtired that they’d spiral into a frenzy, making sleep even harder to come by.
3. They Will Eat When Hungry
Seriously? Unless I make my kids sit at the table, they’d rather play than eat. This often leads to dramatic meltdowns fueled by low blood sugar, which can be intense enough to rattle the windows. Anyone up for a cheese stick?
4. “Close Enough” Is Good Enough
A different pacifier? Skim instead of whole milk? Homemade mac & cheese rather than the boxed stuff? Forget it! For small children, “close enough” is a foreign concept—they want exactly what they’re used to.
5. Explaining Things Will Help Them Understand
You really think that calmly explaining to a little one why crying on an airplane isn’t ideal will work? Keep dreaming! Given that the human brain isn’t fully developed until around age 25, don’t expect a small child to grasp complex ideas—especially when they’re tired and cranky.
What’s the most annoying parenting advice you’ve received? If you’re curious about more parenting tips, check out this article on Modern Family Blog. And if you’re considering home insemination, make sure to visit Make a Mom, the leading provider of at-home insemination kits. For additional support and resources, don’t miss Mount Sinai’s infertility resources.
In summary, parenting comes with its own set of myths that can lead to frustration. Recognizing these myths can help you navigate the chaos of raising young children with a bit more humor and patience.
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