Should You Seek Advice On Parenting From Others?

We all want to raise our kids in the best way we can. As parents, it can be a task to do it all, let alone do it all well. We want to get everything right, have well-adjusted children, and make it through parenthood without too many battle scars. For the sake of our sanity and the benefit of our family, we strive to parent with kindness, intelligence, honor, wisdom, and ultimately, success.

Lots of us want to do it all on our own without the input and advice from others. As much as many people would like to think so, there’s not a soul in the world who knows it all. They say “It takes a village,” and the sentiment is true. Asking for and accepting help from others who can provide insight and knowledge can aid a parent tremendously in their path through parenting, from infancy through the teenage years… and beyond.

New parents have lots of firsts, and these moments, while miraculous and precious, can be nerve-wracking and often confusing. Talk to a new mom or dad who has recently been through these times to get new perspectives on what to do, confirmation that what you’re already doing is good for your baby, and get a glimpse into what’s to come next.

As your child gets older, continue to seek help and advice from family members, friends, teachers, and mentors who have or know a good deal about raising children. There’s always more than one good way to do things, and these folks can open your eyes to new ways to parent. Especially if you’re having disciplinary issues with your child or if you’re concerned about your child reaching age-appropriate milestones, discussion with those in the same boat can assist you in making wise parental decisions and in how you deal with the day-to-day highs and lows of family life and child rearing.

Of course, unsolicited advice can seem intrusive or uncalled for, but before becoming dismissive or upset, take what the person has said into consideration. Most people come from a good place and truly want to help.

And as you surpass milestones and become a savvier parent, don’t forget to pay it forward and help out other parents in need of your wise advice! You will learn so much by trial and error and you can pass along what you’ve done well and what you could have done better.

Do you seek parenting advice from others? What’s the best advice you have ever received?

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By: Melissa A. Kay