It's those dreaded conversations for some. The ones that are full of parenting advice that is not wanted and most of the time not needed. A few friends of mine are pregnant right now. I have been realizing that in our conversations I tend to give a little too much advice. Now, I know (because I've been there) that you just have to take it with a grain of salt in parenting. All of it...the books, the friends, the grandparents etc., they are just giving suggestions and guidelines.
So, take my advice or thoughts with a grain of salt too. I wonder if sometimes I (and maybe you) give parenting advice as a way to affirm my decisions as a parent. I still worry about my kids and want to know I'm making the right decisions. I can see how by giving advice I really want people to affirm my decision and say "oh that was wonderful" or "what a great idea". In the end, I know that what I am giving is just advice that may or may not be taken. I just have to remember that I am doing the best I can. It will be different than others, but I am praying daily about my mothering. That is the best I can do. Pray and then act on it.
I like what you said at the end of this post! I can relate too in that I find myself giving advice to other moms, esp young moms I know that I feel need help figuring things out. I guess it's easy to come across like you know it all if you're a seasoned mom, but I just try to feel things out as I'm talking to someone. If they seem uninterested or aren't really appreciating the help, then I know to stop right there. I think we all want to feel that we've made right choices and share that with other moms. There's def nothing wrong with that!
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