Building a support network

When it comes to parenting, it seems that everyone has an opinion. At some point, we've all had some parenting experience, we've either been a parent, been parented, or seen a parent. This of course, qualifies us all (at least in our opinions) to offer advice.

Generational gaps, and new parenting models, often mean that our parenting techniques differ from that of our parents, and even our friends. So how do you handle the criticism, and inevitable advice that will be offered to you?

There isn’t a simple answer, but some tips to help you along the way are as follows:

• Be confident in your convictions. You have made these choices for a reason, and having the courage to stick by them, will ultimately serve you.
  Remember that criticism, is always about the one who is criticising - it doesn’t reflect on you. When you make a choice that differs to theirs, it puts their parenting methods in question. And noone likes having their ideals questioned. Some people may even take offence that you didn’t choose to do things the same way you did- interpreting your choices, as meaning theirs were inferior. The point is, it’s about them, not about you



• Be well researched. We’ve found, that as long as you know what you’re talking about, and have the research to back it up. There are few things that can be said to undermine your choices. (However, some friends of ours, take great pleasure in producing “research” that conflicts with our parenting choices)



• Be prepared to accept, that your way isn’t for everyone, and sometimes, it pays just to smile and nod! And do things your way anyway.

Article Source: http://www.therepozitory.com.au

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