Ah, the world of parenting advice! Everyone seems eager to share their insights, regardless of whether they have children or not. From stroller recommendations to college choices for teenagers, it can be overwhelming. Over the years, seasoned parents learn to filter out the well-intended yet impractical suggestions. Here are 13 pieces of advice that many parents can do without.
- You must have a specific baby gear: Whether it’s a swing, bouncy seat, or a fancy bassinet, the truth is you won’t know which one your baby will prefer until you’re sleep-deprived at 3 a.m. and the nursery resembles a scene from a musical.
- Let them cry it out: Sure, this method worked for some, but now it’s not just the baby crying that keeps you awake; it’s your child having animated dreams. Last night, my son was shouting “WHOA, WHOA, WHOA” as if he were in a high-stakes action movie. Is there a “whoa-it-out” method?
- Screen time limits are essential: While I understand the intent, if the TV is off, my toddler finds creative ways to interrupt me—even during my shower. Considering the alternative of block-hurling while I try to rinse soap from my eyes, I might choose screen time over minor injuries.
- Encourage independent play: If I ask them to play alone while I cook, it often leads to them taping themselves to the kitchen gate as a form of entertainment. This is not quite what I envisioned.
- Alternate weekend wake-ups: This sounds reasonable until you realize that my kids wake up at 7:30 a.m. on his day and at 4:41 a.m. on mine. Plus, I seem to possess a sixth sense about every little noise, making it hard to get any rest.
- Establish a bedtime routine: We attempted this but ended up elongating the process by an hour and a half. Now it’s more like “put child to bed, quick kiss, and a head pat.” I’m the one who truly needs a routine: cocktail, ice cream, a sitcom, and passing out in last night’s clothes.
- Be flexible with schedules: Sure, let me know how you can help with a crying child who’s upset because their burger is not perfectly assembled. It’s rarely as simple as it sounds.
- Toughen up your son: This advice is outdated. If you wouldn’t say it to a girl, don’t say it to a boy. Emotional expression is healthy, regardless of gender.
- Invest in pricey preschools: What your child really needs is unstructured outdoor playtime with some dirt and a yogurt container. A good caregiver is important, but educational costs shouldn’t rival college tuition.
- Your baby needs a hat: If you really want to help, walk behind me and hold the hat on the baby’s head.
- You should be a stay-at-home parent: While the thought is lovely, financial realities often dictate otherwise. If I were home all the time, I’d be the one facing judgment for not feeding the kids properly.
- Returning to work is the answer: Have you tried finding affordable, quality childcare? After interviewing a few uninspired babysitters or visiting overcrowded daycares that cost more than rent, you might reconsider.
- You should just do something: Ultimately, every parent is navigating their own challenges. While it’s ideal to cook from scratch or read every day, life often gets in the way. The best advice? Give yourself some grace. Also, when it’s your turn to sleep in, earplugs can be a lifesaver!
For additional insights into the journey of parenthood, you can explore resources like the CDC for pregnancy guidance and check out our other posts, including one about the impregnator at home insemination kit. If you’re interested in enhancing your fertility journey, the couples fertility journey for intracervical insemination is a great read.
In summary, while parenting advice can be plentiful and well-meaning, much of it can also be impractical or irrelevant. Instead of trying to follow every suggestion, focus on what works for your unique family situation and remember to be kind to yourself throughout the journey.
Leave a Reply