I appreciate your intention to assist, but more often than not, it feels like the opposite. Unless I specifically ask for your parenting tips, I’d rather not hear them. Here’s a list of advice that I found particularly frustrating:
- Cherish these moments; they pass so quickly.
Everything seems to fly by once you’ve finally made it through! Ask a World War II veteran about the speed of time from D-Day to the ’80s, and they’ll likely say it was just a blink. The same goes for those parents of older kids who keep telling you this. - Just take a deep breath.
Right, it’s just a crying infant who hasn’t slept in ages. Sure, I’ll just sip some tea and relax while chaos reigns. - Sleep when the baby sleeps.
The only time this is possible is during pregnancy, and even then, finding a comfy spot is a challenge. So, yeah, that’s a hard pass. - They’ll eventually outgrow it.
If only that were true for everything. Teething? Yes, they’ll lose those baby teeth eventually. But other issues? Not so much. - It gets easier.
Not really. Parenting isn’t a linear path that leads to easier times; it’s a rollercoaster full of surprises. - What a delightful age!
Sure, backtalk and potty training disasters are super fun. I can’t wait for the teenage years filled with joy—hopefully with fewer messes on my furniture. - Don’t worry, keep trying with breastfeeding.
You can’t force something that doesn’t fit. It’s disheartening when someone insists that your struggling baby will eventually master it. If yours did, great! Mine didn’t. - You need to socialize more.
Are you offering to babysit? Because that would help! - Find friends at playgroups.
Making connections with other parents isn’t as easy as picking a sweater you like. There’s a distinct chemistry involved that goes beyond just sharing the commonality of having kids. I’ve met plenty of people at playgroups, but never anyone who felt like a true match. Though I did find one woman who was quite open about her indulgence in drinks at these gatherings—she might be my spirit animal. - Be patient.
Sure, patience is a virtue, but so are dignity and integrity—and those seem to vanish after parenthood. There’s no shame in fabricating a tale about what happens if my kids refuse their veggies. As for dignity, well, it disappeared the day I had to scrub poop off the crib and found some in my hair—great times!
I know that someday, when I’m on the other side of this parenting journey, I might find myself echoing some of these phrases to new parents. Once I’ve healed and moved forward, I might catch myself saying things like “it gets easier” or “enjoy these moments.”
Parenting is a wild ride filled with ups and downs, and while I may not love every piece of advice I hear, I appreciate the intent behind it. For more insights on parenting and family planning, check out the at-home insemination kit, and for more perspectives on parenting journeys, visit Make A Mom. For reliable information on pregnancy, I recommend checking out the CDC as a valuable resource.
Summary:
Navigating the advice given to new parents can often feel overwhelming and unhelpful. From well-meaning suggestions about cherishing fleeting moments to the insistence on socializing, many common phrases can be frustrating. The truth is, parenting is a unique journey filled with challenges and surprises, and while advice may come from a good place, it doesn’t always resonate.