The Unsolicited Parenting Advice You Didn’t Ask For

Here’s the thing about parenting advice: it’s everywhere, unsolicited, and often from people who wouldn’t know a dopamine hit from a diaper blowout.

We all have that one person—whether it’s the overly helpful neighbor, Laura down the street, or your cousin who swears by the "right way" to do things—telling you how to raise your kids, live your life, and probably even how to breathe.

But let’s face it: everyone’s winging it. Even Laura.

The truth is, most people aren’t exactly batting a thousand in the “I’ve got it all figured out” department.

In fact, a lot of people aren’t even kind to each other or have their own lives sorted. So why, exactly, should their opinions dictate your parenting journey?

Who made them the authority?

Now, don’t get me wrong—great advice exists. There’s wisdom out there, and we’d be foolish not to listen.

But here’s the kicker: you don’t have to adopt every idea that gets tossed your way. Take it, entertain it, sift through it, but remember: it’s just advice, not a manual.

Education is power, sure, but so is discernment.

Not every piece of advice is meant to be a gospel truth.

We’re all just troubleshooting through life, and sometimes we forget that.

Everyone has their moments of doubt and confusion, even the people doling out the advice. They, too, are just trying to make sense of this messy, wonderful existence.

So, the next time someone gives you their unsolicited opinion, just remember: they’re winging it, too.

Remember that little song—“Mind your own biscuits, and life will be gravy”? It still holds water.

People tend to get wrapped up in comparing themselves to others, consuming opinions like candy, and living their lives based on what’s trending on the internet.

It’s exhausting.

Instead of trying to live up to everyone else’s idea of success, why not focus on what really matters?

Take care of the mental and emotional well-being of your family.

Plant seeds of kindness, patience, and understanding.

Let go of the pressure to conform to everyone else’s standards.

And let it be.

Challenge the norms.

Forge your own path, even if it looks messy and imperfect.

After all, just because it’s always been done this way doesn’t mean it’s the best way.

If you think you have it all figured out, take a step back. You don’t.

Go touch some grass, read a book, and humble yourself for a moment.

We all need that reminder.

A little humility goes a long way.

So next time someone gives you parenting advice that doesn’t quite sit right, smile, nod, and move on.

Your journey is yours alone, and at the end of the day, you’re doing just fine.