Do you get frustrated when someone gives you unsolicited parenting advice? Even if you don’t think so, stay with me for the minute.
Do you ever start doubting yourself when someone questions how you are parenting?
Maybe someone shares how they do things differently and you take it as a personal attack that you are making the wrong parenting choices?
Or when someone gives you the advice you listen to them because you think others know more than you.
If you suspect you aren’t handling unsolicited advice in a way that honors your parenting instinct while also respecting the opinion giver, pay close attention.
Because you don’t have to participate in any conversation that you don’t want to.
This was a lesson I needed to learn rather quickly after I became a parent. As a new mom, I was trying to get to know the personality of my little boy. To have other people giving their opinions made my head spin. Getting conflicting advice is just as annoying as the unsolicited advice itself. That in conjunction with my shifting hormones after delivery, I was lucky I didn’t snap in a major way.
[gold]”You are the greatest expert of your child. No child with the same personality or needs has ever come before them or will come after them.” – Tejal [/gold]
It doesn’t matter how much you want to avoid unsolicited advice, people will always believe that they are doing you a favor by sharing their parenting experiences and advice with you. If you don’t learn how to navigate unsolicited advice without letting it get under your skin, you are in for some heated conversations or serious self-doubt pity parties.
The great news is, I’ve got your fix.
Watch this weeks episode to learn how to constructively handle unsolicited advice (without getting defensive).
[youtube]8mBWrkEfNCk[/youtube]
[break]
After you’ve watched the episode, I want to hear from you in the comments below.
[teal]What’s your greatest struggle with unsolicited advice? How do you calmly handle it? [/teal]
As always, thank you for reading, watching and contributing. I’m looking forward to hearing what you have to say on this topic as it’s a really important one for all us mod-zen mamas.
If you find today’s episode I’d be honored if you forward to a soul sister, fellow mod-zen mama or colleague who struggles with this too.
Love and confidence to you always,
