Dealing with Unwanted Parenting Advice

No one wants unwanted parenting advice, however it can be a difficult subject to broach with well-meaning family members. You may feel too shy or uncomfortable to talk to them, but that doesn’t mean that you need to accept advice you do not wish to have. The following steps will help you deal with such advice.
Realize that you do not need to take the advice
First and foremost, do not feel pressured to take parenting advice from your family members if you disagree with it. There is a lot of bad advice out there, and you should not feel pressured to do something that could be harmful to you or your baby. There are many styles of parenting, and even when the advice is not wrong, it still mightl not be best for you.
Stand up for your beliefs
You are not being rude just because you do not take parenting advice from family members. You are the parent, and it is your right to raise your child as you see fit. That does not mean you have to be impolite back to them, but you can just say that this is the way you do it. You can tell them that you appreciate their opinion, but that you have your own way. Remember that you are in charge of your child and your parenting.
Ignore it
Oftentimes the best strategy is the simplest. Simply ignore it. Let it go in one ear and out the other. The person won’t be offended and you can continue to do things as you see fit. Babycenter advises not to take it personally since most parents get unwanted advice.
Talk to the person about the advice
If the family members continues to give unwanted advice and it frustrates you, then talk to them about it. Simply be honest. Say that you have come up with some ideas of your own and that you would rather just do it that way. You can tell them that you value their opinion but that you just see things a different way.
Ask your spouse to deal with family members on his or her side
You may feel uncomfortable because the family member is an in-law. Do not be afraid to ask your spouse to deal with his or her family members. He or she may be more comfortable talking to them and diffusing the situation.
Do not let unwanted parenting advice change the way you parent. Stay strong in your ideals and don’t be afraid to do things your way. Chances are, the person doesn’t even realize that he or she is giving unwanted advice; by standing up for yourself, you can form a better relationship and be the best parent possible.