I have learned the following since being a new mom...
When you have a baby, everyone in the world seems to have an opinion to share: "Shouldn't he be wearing a sweater?" "He won't grow big and strong if you don't feed him solids now." "If you let him suck on a pacifier, he'll ruin his teeth!" Whether the advice is right or wrong, it's the sheer intrusiveness of it all that can irk you.
How to deal with it? First, don't take everything you hear seriously. There's no quicker way to undermine your growing confidence than to listen to every shred of information you're offered by friends, relatives, and strangers. Do what you think is best.
Realize the advice is mostly well intentioned. People are drawn to babies. Sometimes they make "helpful" comments simply to have something to say. In response, say something noncommittal, like "Thanks for your concern" or "I'll think about that." A great way to handle grandparents who have their own ideas about feeding or sleep is to enlist a third party: "Thanks, Mom. I'll see what our doctor says."
No comments:
Post a Comment