As a father of three—ages 6 months, 5, and 7—I often find myself on the receiving end of unsolicited parenting tips. It’s understandable; people want to share what they think is valuable knowledge, whether they’re experienced parents or simply observers. Yet sometimes, I wish they would just keep their opinions to themselves. Below are a few examples of advice I’ve encountered and how I’d like to respond—if I were feeling less polite.
-
“Shouldn’t your child be wearing a jacket?”
Absolutely, he should probably have a jacket on. But here’s the reality: I told him to wear one, but at seven years old, he’s about as receptive as a goldfish. I barely have the energy to wrangle him into the tub each night. Sure, he’s going to experience a little discomfort, but maybe he needs to learn from those goosebumps. Can you handle that? I can.
-
“Breastfeeding is best for babies.”
Really? Thanks for the medical insight! My partner intended to breastfeed our first child, but life got in the way. She had to return to work after just a month, thanks to a job that provided minimal maternity leave and no private space to pump. It’s like trying to eat a tuna sandwich in a public restroom. So we’ve opted for formula instead. Still friends?
-
“If you loved your kids, you’d never take them to fast food.”
If you had kids, you’d understand that fast food is sometimes an unavoidable reality. I loathe McDonald’s—its food, the toys littering my car—but kids adore it, just like you might love a cozy coffee shop. It’s not healthy, but it can make a chaotic day just a tad easier.
-
“Keeping a clean house is manageable with kids.”
Oh really? When you say “maintain,” do you mean putting the kids outside with a bowl of water until they’re old enough to fend for themselves? Or perhaps you envision me quitting my job and my partner dropping out of school to tidy up? My kids are pint-sized tornadoes that leave a trail of chaos. Last week, I found two pairs of underwear in the freezer—how did that even happen?
-
“Letting your baby cry it out will help her sleep through the night.”
You might have a point, but I just can’t bring myself to do it. I’m not cut out to be that tough. So I’ll endure the sleepless nights until she figures it out on her own. The next time I mention my exhaustion, please refrain from offering advice and just let me vent.
-
“Preventing public tantrums starts at home.”
I’m guessing your parenting style may have involved harsher methods. I work hard to teach my kids proper behavior, but sometimes they turn into little monsters in public. Most of the time, they’re sweet and well-behaved, but when they throw a fit, it’s part of learning how to manage their emotions. It’s all about experience—like understanding that unsolicited advice in a grocery store isn’t helpful.
In conclusion, parenting is a wild ride filled with chaos, laughter, and a fair share of unsolicited advice. While it can be challenging to juggle the responsibilities, every family operates differently. If you’re interested in exploring more about home insemination, check out this post. For those looking to boost fertility, Make A Mom offers valuable resources. And for a deeper dive into genetics and IVF, Wikipedia provides an excellent overview here.