How to Deal with Parenting Criticism

Parenting changes your perspective and life goals, as it shifts to make room to the new addition to your family. Being a parent is a role that evolves daily and requires a mastery of different skills over time. Having kids is both a lifetime blessing and a huge responsibility. This is surely one area that needs undivided attention 24/7. As a parent, you cannot retire, go on leave, or even quit, although no parent will desire to give up their spot in the lives of their kids.

There are different parenting styles, what works for one might not work for another. The strength of a parent lies in the versatility and diversity they use while handling challenges and demands in the roles they play in the lives of their children. It is important to multitask and ensure everything gets done in all aspects of their lives. Being a parent is difficult enough, without having to deal with criticism, pressure, and intolerance of your parenting style from the outside world.

No matter how well you raise your kids, you’ll definitely hear about it. When a family member or a friend criticizes your parenting, it can hurt – even an offhand comment from a total stranger can bite. On some occasions, the advice given can be useful, but often, it is better to shove those comments aside and forget about them. To guard your kids and yourself against unhelpful and unwanted criticism, make use of these suggestions

Keep Your Complaints to Yourself

Making your complaints public can expose you to parenting criticism. Carefully choose who to confide in. Don’t go about asking questions you wouldn’t want answers to. Seek the listening ear of a trusted friend who shares your parenting principles.

Always Keep an Open Mind

If a person kindly shares a thought or advice regarding parenting, be open-minded that they probably have the best of intentions. Particularly if the person has kids way older than yours. It might surprise you how often you’ll later find yourself following their advice.

Don’t Take It Too Personal

In all spheres of life, if an individual is unnecessarily harsh and rude while expressing their thoughts, it’s important to remember that it’s probably more about them than you. Choices regarding parenting are personal, so it can be easy to take criticisms personally. If it offends you, calm down before responding – or better yet, don’t respond at all. No one understands what you’re going through, except you.

Set the Record Straight

Let them know you love your baby and are okay handling your duties without any outside help. Of course, there are other ways they can help, like with the dishes or taking the trash out – don’t hesitate to ask.

Protect Your Child

The self-image of your child can easily be affected by comments passed by friends, relatives, and even strangers. Don’t let those negative comments affect your child. If you get invited to a home where they’ll end up criticizing your parenting skills or your child, don’t go. If your child has any challenges, don’t discuss it in his or her presence.

Have a Positive Mindset

Family members and friends will pick up on how you act around your child. If you are complaining, negative, and appear overwhelmed by the responsibilities, expect other people to react in the same manner. If you appear proud and excited to be a parent, they’ll be impressed.