Everyone is a Parenting Expert
As I am about to become a new parent, I appreciate every bit of advice I can get. However, I find it very entertaining that everyone seems to believe they are an expert and believe they know what is best when it comes to anything with being a parent. Especially when the advice isn’t even asked for. I get it, you have children and you believe you are doing a masterful job at raising them. Unfortunately, I don’t think that really qualifies one as an expert. One thing I have learned from all my friends and family that have children is that every kid is different. I don’t believe parenting is a one style fits all. I also don’t think people are realistic with themselves when it comes to their children. I’m sure I’ll also fall into this trap of thinking my kid is the most awesome thing ever, but I truly do hope I can keep a realistic view because I think that would better serve my child as I try to raise them right.
It is hard to take some people’s advice seriously when you see that their kids are in jail, on drugs, or doing some other shady activities. I don’t blame the parents or think that they are clueless. I know that friends and other factors contribute to how a person chooses to live their life as they grow up. If that is the case though, you probably shouldn’t try to come off as if you raised your kid perfectly. You should just talk about what you did that you thought worked or maybe why something didn’t work. Usually, this isn’t how someone gives their advice though. They push their advice like you would be stupid if you didn’t listen to what they had to say.
When it comes to taking the advice I find I trust the people who approach it as more of a case study than an expert attitude. Some people tell you their situation, their kid’s mentality, and then how they handled it. I can take away more information from that type of advice versus someone just telling me the “right” way to do things. I know we all make mistakes, and I know everyone will make mistakes parenting. I can’t remember exactly, but I remember some saying that goes like: “Parenting isn’t about not screwing up your kids, it is about screwing them up the least you can”. I believe this is the approach I will take with my child. I know I’m not perfect and I don’t expect perfection. I will just do the best I can and try my hardest to raise my kid to be respectful, happy, and compassionate. Wish me luck!
