Have you found yourself googling ways to stop tantrums? What about searching for parenting advice on rewarding good behavior in your kids? How about the pros and cons of breastfeeding after six months? Trust me, you are not alone. There are about a million questions new parents have. Now that we are in the age of the internet, it becomes easy to type your question into a search bar and find your answer. But it can also lead you into a deep dark hole of misinformation and unhelpful comments. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
We\u2019ve put together some helpful information so you can successfully navigate the web of parenting advice. You\u2019ll get some tips to spot parent shaming and avoid it, plus where to turn for the best advice as it relates to your family and your children\u2019s needs. But, we\u2019ll start with some background information that will help you understand the new challenges technology brings up when it comes to parenting advice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It’s tough coming up with new family adventures. Take the work out of it with Adventures From Scratch<\/a><\/em>! Our Family Edition<\/a> is full of child-friendly ideas that work for just about any age. You’ll get silly, explore, and most importantly you’ll connect. And when it comes time for a night away from the kiddos, open Adventures From Scratch: Date Edition<\/a><\/em>. We’ve got scratch-off activity ideas for everyone!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Social media and the internet have changed just about every aspect of our lives. Many things have become so much easier and more convenient, but at the same time, the amount of information at our fingertips can be a bit overwhelming. Let\u2019s look at just a few of the biggest challenges parents face today when searching for advice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It isn\u2019t just mom shaming, but moms seem to be a much larger target for the cruel internet than fathers. The phrase, mom shaming, describes when people bully mothers for their parenting choices or methods. Sometimes it happens intentionally, but other times people are unintentionally negative or judgmental.<\/p>\n\n\n\n People have very strong opinions about parenting styles. Everyone wants to believe that they are making the absolute best choices for their children. When someone is doing something different, it\u2019s easy to have a strong reaction and even feel defensive. But you have to be careful when you\u2019re addressing parenting choices. Each situation is unique and there is no perfect process for raising a child. The issue isn\u2019t black and white.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While this has been an issue since the beginning of time, the internet makes it easier to comment and weigh in on things. Oftentimes, people share their unsolicited advice or judgments on anonymous profiles. A brief Instagram caption about weaning your baby might invite comments about why you should keep breastfeeding or disagreements over the type of formula you are switching to. People might disagree with letting your children look at a TV or listen to certain music. Don\u2019t let those comments get to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Other common topics that can ignite some mom shaming include work\/life balance and the benefits of sending kids to a daycare versus staying home, comparing milestones of children, and post-baby bodies. Beware of the shaming and make sure you aren\u2019t unintentionally participating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Social media is a place to share pictures of family vacations, important moments or events, and our favorite photos from daily life. For most users, it is a highlight reel of happy occasions. That is crucial to remember for your own well-being because comparing your situation to anyone\u2019s collection of photos on social media is completely unfair. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You probably won\u2019t see the last few times the child\u2019s behavior was not the best or the mornings when they rush out the door late and eat fruit snacks for breakfast. People show the highlights and leave out most of the reality from their feeds. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you feel like all other parents are packing perfect lunches for school with no processed food and getting everything done on their to-do list every day while also getting eight hours of perfect sleep, you would be wrong in 99.99% of scenarios. <\/p>\n\n\n\n New parents have tons of questions. Decades ago, they might have called a friend or the pediatrician or consulted the baby book they received for a shower, but today, they turn to the internet. While that can be extremely helpful, it can also be extremely scary. Each search can turn up thousands of sites all giving different answers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Websites tend to be all over the place in the information they provide. You might be searching for how to help with a headache and have a website tell you that you have a brain tumor. It can be terrifying to search for certain things on the internet. Plus, you\u2019ve got a bunch of people writing as if they are experts in child-rearing, but in reality, they have the same amount of experience as you much of the time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Don\u2019t worry, we\u2019ve got some tips to help you find the right sources below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Technology makes it easy to share pictures of your children and your family with people who live further away. You can take so many more pictures and send them instantly to grandparents and aunts or uncles. But how much should you share about your home life on the internet? Should you share pictures of your child\u2019s life on public forums? Most parents today don\u2019t have to worry about their own faces being easily searched on google from when they were children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are two major issues with oversharing young children and personal information on the internet. First of all, there are some scary people out there, and you don\u2019t want to give them information about your young ones. It\u2019s best to keep your accounts set to private so you know all the people that are following you. If you decide to have a public account, make sure you don\u2019t share any information about exact locations or specific details.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The second area to consider when making decisions is how your child will feel about it when they are older. Will your tweens want posts online about their behavior problems from their younger years? Did you post photos that they are embarrassed about now? There are tons of moments that adults find adorable and funny when kids are young, but that child might not feel the same way about it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Consider these issues when you sign up for an Instagram account or post something to Facebook. Those pictures and words are out there and available so it\u2019s important to think about your family\u2019s safety and future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Let\u2019s deep dive into the parent shaming conversation a bit and give you some pointers if you find yourself faced with this in any way. These tips can help with any anxiety over information on the internet as well, especially if you are struggling with some conflicting information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Every person has their own unique parenting style. Sure, you might have similarities with other people, but humans differ so much in personality and demeanor from person to person and that applies to kids as well. You probably won\u2019t parent multiple children the exact same way either. Because of this, many people are a bit insecure about at least one aspect of raising children. Insecure people often project their insecurities onto others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If someone is telling you that you\u2019re wrong, it might mean they need to take a look in the mirror and see if they are just concerned with something in their own household. Don\u2019t let someone else\u2019s insecurities and opinions send you into a downward spiral. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Your mental health should be a priority during any period of your life, but especially when you are trying to raise another human and teach them. Kids mimic what their parents do, so it\u2019s imperative that your child sees you making healthy choices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If there is someone giving you a hard time or sending negativity your way, remove them. As easy as it is to follow someone, it\u2019s just as simple to unfollow them and block them if necessary. You don\u2019t owe it to everyone to respond to every single opinion and note that comes your way. If you ask your network for advice and someone sends you something that isn\u2019t helpful, you don\u2019t owe them anything. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The same thing goes with the information others are posting. If you are seeing things pop onto your timeline that don’t bring you joy, consider muting or unfollowing those posters. The whole purpose of these apps is connection and you need positive connections surrounding you as much as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Each year, doctors and scientists learn more about how human brains develop and change over time. There are breakthroughs in child development and changes are made to the recommendations and styles of education used. That goes for more than just the brain too. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Consider car seats for example. Just a few decades ago, kids often went home from the hospital in the front seat of the car in their mother\u2019s arms. Now, doctors recommend children use car seats and booster seats until they reach a weight and\/or height that ensures seat belts are able to do their job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What does that mean for advice and negative comments? It\u2019s important to consider where the person is getting their information and knowledge on raising kids. Your own parents will have some helpful advice (they raised you didn\u2019t they?) but it\u2019s OK to let them know that some things are a bit outdated. They may not be open to that feedback or necessarily agree, but you can be confident with your decisions based on the most updated information you can find. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Sometimes, the older methods work great in certain scenarios. Recognizing that some people may disagree because they don\u2019t understand the factors you\u2019re faced with will help you move past any negativity or comments that sting a little.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Give yourself a time out from trying to answer every question as much as possible and just be present in the moment. A solution might present itself to your problems or it might just resolve itself on its own. Being a parent is hard work and you are faced with so many new challenges each day. You don\u2019t need to search for the perfect answer every time. Try one solution and if it doesn\u2019t work, try something else. Trial and error is necessary while learning. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Set limits for the amount of time you spend on a screen. It can be easy to scroll through photos, pin recipe ideas for the healthiest dinners, read articles about the best activities for kids, and watch YouTube tutorials on sleep training. At the end of the day, your time is best spent with your family giving them your attention and love. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Now that you\u2019ve read through the things to watch out for and how to cope with anything that feels like shaming for your parenting choices, we\u2019ll cover a few great resources that you can rely on when you want a second opinion or some new ideas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In many cases, you\u2019re looking for facts and real-life examples. Be aware of articles and pieces that claim to be informational, but use a lot of emotional descriptions and words that signify opinions. Many parents have their opinions on what they think the best methods are and those can be helpful, but only when you take in the information knowing that there isn\u2019t necessarily scientific proof that it\u2019s best or a guarantee that it will be the best fit for any family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Just remember that you can find something online to back up any argument you want (no matter how wild and crazy). So, watch for reputable sources with factual information cited when you want the most dependable information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Whether you want to vent about potty training mishaps or you\u2019re looking for advice on the best movies to show your kids, your friends and family will be incredible resources for you when it comes to the best parenting advice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As we mentioned above, there may be some things your own parents aren\u2019t up to date on as far as research, but that doesn\u2019t mean they won\u2019t have some tricks up their sleeves to help with things that come up. They might have some traditional methods that are worth trying out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You may also have a friend or two that has children a little older than yours and you can look to them as a role models. Kids go through a lot of similar challenges and learning situations, and if their child is just a bit older, those situations will still be fresh in their minds. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s also extremely helpful to have a support network while raising a child that can relate to the struggles and celebrate the wins. You can have playdates, exchange toys between houses, and maybe even swap some babysitting duties back and forth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Parenting books come in every variety. If you are turning to a book or specific website, find out more about the person writing that information. Is it a parent of just one child that wants to share their secrets to naps and mealtime or is it someone who has studied child behaviors and psychology for years? There\u2019s a big difference between the two and there is room for both in the market, but it\u2019s important to know before you dive in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Especially with advice related to the physical health of your child, it\u2019s important to make sure that there is science to back up any advice that they are giving. It\u2019s your responsibility as a parent to make sure your child is fed, rested, clean, and safe. Make sure you trust the person giving you the information before you try things out on your own child, and if you have any doubts\u2014see the next piece of advice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your pediatrician is one of the best people to ask questions about your child\u2019s health and well-being. If you are concerned about milestones, you can chat with your doctor about it. They see hundreds of children at various phases and they are trained for years to spot things that are off or need additional attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As always, you always have the option for a second opinion as well if you aren\u2019t feeling confident in your doctors. Check with your friends and neighbors and see if they have a doctor they recommend that you can try out. Doctors have a ton of information and can help put new parents at ease with all kinds of concerns and questions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Family therapists can also be a huge help if you are dealing with trauma or big changes within your family. Kids have a hard time coping with loss, divorce, moving, and other shifts to their normal routine, so it\u2019s great to have a trained professional to help everyone process emotions and feelings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s so important to give yourself tons of credit. There is no better parent for your child than you are. You know your child better than any author or advice columnist. You know how much time and energy you have to try new things, as well as which ideas typically work in your household.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many brand new parents have lower self-esteem because they are figuring out so many new routines and keeping a new human alive. But you have to remember that everyone is in that position at the beginning of the parenthood journey and you will figure out so much by just doing what feels right to you. Your maternal or paternal instinct will kick in and you can be confident in your abilities and your parenting styles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This cannot be repeated enough\u2014trust your gut. If something seems off, act on it or change it. This goes for everything. You\u2019ll notice behavior changes, even when they are minor, before anyone else because you spend the most time around your kids. If you have concerns, trust your gut to know when it\u2019s right to find help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The same goes for parenting advice that you receive. If it seems wrong for your family, ignore it or at least spend some time digging deeper to see what part of it feels off. Anything that gives off a bad vibe doesn\u2019t need to be forced onto your children and routine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You’re here reading about parenting advice. That pretty much means you care, and you’re doing just fine! Just remember: not all parenting is created equal. Use only those tips you find useful to sort through all the parenting advice out there, and don\u2019t allow yourself to get overwhelmed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n “Good parenting” is subjective. You will know what’s best for your family, and your kids are lucky to have someone who is constantly working on keeping everyone happy, healthy, and safe. When you need new ideas for family fun<\/a>, travel advice<\/a>, or date night suggestions<\/a>, you know where to find us!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nParenting Advice in the Time of Social Media<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The Rise of Mom Shaming in the Internet-Driven Society<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Constant Comparison to Others\u2019 Highlight Reels<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Overwhelming Amount of Parenting Tips Available<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Deciding What to Share of Your Family Life<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How to Deal with Mom\/Dad Shaming<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Remember that insecure people project.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Avoid, block, or unfollow constant sources of negativity.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Watch for signs of ignorance.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Take a break, and find your happy place.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How to Find the Right Sources of Parenting Advice<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Steer clear of emotional posts and biased opinions.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Use your trusted network.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Check for credentials.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Talk to your doctor.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Have faith in your parenting style.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Always trust your gut.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nImportant Takeaways<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nFrequently Asked Questions<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n