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When you’re pregnant, friends, family members, and sometimes even complete strangers feel free to offer you well-intentioned advice. This can either be really helpful or extremely frustrating.
Being on the receiving end of unwanted parenting advice is a reality for many. Here’s how you can deal with it.
Listen first
When you get unsolicited parenting advice, it’s natural to jump into defensive mode. However, it can pay to listen first. The other person believes that they’re giving you valuable information. You might just learn something you didn’t know.
Don’t take it so seriously
Having a sense of humor can go a long way. You might even have a stockpile of witty comebacks for these occasions.
Redirect the conversation
Sometimes a change of subject can be enough to stop unwanted advice. Distracting them with a question about something else can help when someone brings up a sensitive topic.
Educate yourself
When you educate yourself about your parenting choices, you build up confidence in your decisions. You can reference a book you’ve read or a study you saw.
Quote your clinician
Your clinician knows what they’re talking about. If you can’t seem to shake a person giving you unwanted advice, tell them what a clinician said. People tend to accept an opinion from a professional.
Call your clinician
You may receive some advice that makes you worry about your baby. If you have questions, consider reaching out to your clinician.