Forget trying to think of answers to any questions or finding out information in books. These days we have a wealth of information literally at our fingertips. This is so amazing, yet every single day when I scroll through my social media I am hit with a heap of artcles telling me what I should and shouldn’t be doing as a parent.
Are we all expected to raise children that are perfect all the time? They must have manners, be spirited but not cheeky, have created 6 apps by the age of 7 and be a natural at any sport they attempt.
All while the parents never yell. Play with them, but not too much, they must know how to be bored. Praise them, but not use the phrase ‘good girl or ‘good boy’, this could shame another child or be taken the wrong way? Show them affection, but don’t kiss them on the lips. Someone on the internet might think that’s gross! Both parents are expected to work, but also be available for all school/kinder functions and acivities (that always seem to be held during business hours)…..Oh and don’t forget you must feed them only organic food, be a plastic free household and don’t even think about giving them refined suger (that stuff is pure evil).
I’ll admit, I read the articles and I do think about them. So many questions have swirled around in my head. Should I control cry or not? Is breast really best? How do I restrict screen time? What are all the milestones again? Why are they such picky eaters? Do humidifiers work? Am I a good mum?
I’ve decided screw it, half of these articles are simply click bait……..No one is perfect and being a parent is overwhelming enough without all these extra ‘guidelines’.
The truth is every child is different and parenting styles are different. We are all just doing our best to raise happy, healthy, well balanced children. Sure, read the articles. Be open to new things, but take it with a grain of salt. Don’t let anyone make you feel guilty, especially if you’re a new parent. Do what works for you, your baby and family. I do 😀
Rachelle xx
