During a recent work conference in Portland, I found myself at a catered lunch across from a non-parent who insisted on sharing her views on parenting when she learned I run a dad blog. As she rambled on, I couldn’t help but zone out and reflect on the unsolicited advice I frequently receive from those who have yet to experience parenthood. Here are a few gems, along with how I’d like to respond.
“Don’t let them eat in the car. That way, there won’t be a mess. Problem solved.”
Really? Have you ever driven more than 20 minutes with a screaming, hungry toddler? Picture this: you’re trapped in a mobile version of hell, where tiny humans are whining for snacks while bickering over personal space. Trust me, when faced with that chaos day in and day out, you’ll do whatever it takes to maintain some semblance of peace—even if it means tossing fruit snacks to keep the backseat from erupting into a full-blown mutiny.
“If you didn’t give them other options, your kids wouldn’t be such picky eaters.”
Let’s be real: when was the last time you hosted friends for dinner and they recoiled at what was on the table? Getting my kids to take a single bite of a burrito can feel like a monumental task. Watching them gag and complain makes me question my parenting skills. It’s not just about being a hard liner; it’s a daily battle that leaves me tempted to serve nothing but mac and cheese every night.
“If you truly cared about your kids, you wouldn’t take them to McDonald’s.”
If you had kids, you’d understand how unrealistic that statement is. McDonald’s is an unavoidable reality. I loathe the place—the food, the toys that seem to multiply in my car. But guess what? Kids adore it! Just like you enjoy your favorite café. Sometimes, it’s the easy route that saves the day, no matter how unhealthy it may be.
“You need to stop letting your children control your life.”
What does that even mean? Am I supposed to leave them outside with a bowl of water and a bag of chips? Should I head out without caring if they’re wearing shoes? Or maybe I should prioritize my own desires over their needs? Parenting is about making sacrifices and being there for your kids. If I didn’t, I’d be failing them—possibly even facing consequences for neglect. My children are my world, and if I didn’t fully invest in them, it would lead to chaos.
“I don’t see why you’re so exhausted. Just send your kids back to bed.”
Oh, if only it were that simple! Telling a child to return to bed is akin to asking a cat to stop sitting on your lap. When I told my daughter to go back to bed at 5 a.m. once, it spiraled into a meltdown that woke everyone else up. Suddenly, my peaceful morning turned into a chaotic circus over breakfast.
“My dogs have the same issues. I just make sure they know who’s boss.”
Did you really just compare your dogs to my kids? While I appreciate your love for pets, children are not the same. Sure, they both might crawl on the floor and create messes, but kids come with layers of complexity and emotions. It’s not about exerting authority; parenting requires continuous adjustments and understanding, often amidst tears and frustrations.
Parenting is a wild ride filled with unsolicited advice from those who haven’t walked the path. The next time someone offers their two cents, perhaps we can all remember that it’s an intricate journey best understood by those who are living it.
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Summary:
This article humorously addresses the unsolicited parenting advice often given by non-parents, illustrating how parenting is a complex and nuanced experience best understood by those who are actively involved in it. It emphasizes the everyday challenges parents face, including picky eaters, fast food choices, and the exhaustion that comes with caring for children.
Keyphrase: Unwanted parenting advice from non-parents
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