Updated: Jan. 14, 2016
Originally Published: July 12, 2015
Are you a parent who thinks they have all the answers? Do you often find yourself judging others for the choices they make regarding their kids? If so, you’ve come to the right place. Welcome to your first step toward a new mindset.
I used to be just like you. In my parenting journey, I believed I had it all figured out and generously shared my insights, much like handing out treats on Halloween. But unlike Halloween, where kids ask for candy, nobody was asking for my advice. That’s what defined me as a “Sanctimommy”—the queen of unsolicited advice. If you want to break free from that cycle, the first step is to keep your opinions to yourself unless someone specifically seeks them out.
I realize it’s easier said than done. You may think you’re helping others by sharing your parenting wisdom, but let’s face it: parenting isn’t rocket science. There’s no single right way to raise every child.
Embracing Uniqueness
Do we really need to revisit the “everyone is unique” conversation? Alright, here we go—every child is like a snowflake, each one uniquely different. What works for your perfect child may not work for mine. Your approach may seem flawless, but it doesn’t mean it’s universally applicable. When you finally grasp this concept, that’s the moment you’ll transition from being a know-it-all to just another mom trying her best.
The birth of my second child was my awakening. He was nothing like his older sibling, and it hit me hard that no one-size-fits-all solution exists in parenting. Don’t get me wrong; I still have strong opinions, but I’ve learned to hold back when it comes to sharing them with strangers online.
A Personal Memoir
So, here’s a little advice: just enjoy your life with your family and write down your insights as a personal memoir. Perhaps one day, you can gift it to your future daughter-in-law at her baby shower. I’m sure she’d appreciate the gesture—assuming she’s not already overwhelmed by unsolicited advice.
Does that resonate with you?
This article was originally published on July 12, 2015. If you’re interested in exploring more, check out our other posts, including one on privacy policy for more information.
To wrap it up, remember that parenting is a journey filled with diverse experiences. Embrace the uniqueness of each child and let go of the urge to judge.