The choices and decisions of new parenthood can feel daunting. Family and friends love to insert their opinions and advice, sometimes solicited – other times unsolicited.
A few things to remember:
There is no singular way to parent, and each child is different
No parent is all-knowing; we are always learning as our children grow
What works for another parent may not work for you
Questioning parenting choices sometimes crosses into criticism or judgment. This often stems from a place of insecurity or fear rather than genuine concern for your child's well-being. Trust your instincts and set boundaries.
Here are some key scripts for boundary setting:
Thank you for your input, but I've decided to follow the advice of our pediatrician. Their guidance aligns with what I believe is best for my baby.
I understand you're curious, but I prefer to keep some aspects of our parenting journey private. Let's focus on enjoying our time together.
I appreciate your concern, but I feel confident in my decisions for my baby. Your support means a lot to me.
I'd love to catch up on other topics today. Let's put the parenting talk aside and just enjoy our time together.
Thank you for sharing what worked well for you. We’re focused on trying what works best for us. I will reach out to you if we have more questions on this.