Here Comes The Judge! Tips for Handling Parental Criticism

Everyone’s a critic. But when it comes to your parenting, criticism can be tough to take. Instead of thinking about it as "taking it", we should think about making it work for us. I am sure you have a few expressions for someone who questions your child rearing approach. After all, you have earned the right to make the calls after nine long months, hours of labor and those stretch marks you hoped to avoid. But raising a healthily adjusted child may mean incorporating some tips from your in-law or your well meaning friend.

We have all come in contact with people who always seem to have something negative to say. But even those naysayers can have their place. A business principle that can be applied to parenting is to actually consider the comments made by cynics. Occasionally, naysayers can provide some valuable tips that can be helpful.   

You name it and someone has a comment for it. Breastfeeding, your child’s diet, how you discipline your child, pacifiers, handling bedtime and tantrums, and even your choice to work or stay home can come under scrutiny.

You would think after child birth nothing could hurt more. But the sting of being judged can feel like 10 centimeters especially when you are trying your best. It is important to have a great sense of self. You must have confidence to know that your goal is to be the best parent and the best you that you can be.  

You should ignore comments that undermine you or your parenting. It can be tempting to ignore advice because you feel criticized. But more often than not, the advice is coming from someone well intentioned. Before dismissing comments outright do a self assessment to see if some adjustment is in order. Know that you will make mistakes. It may seem like there is always someone there to point it out and judge you for it when you do. But, knowing that you have made a mistake is half the battle. You will be better next time. And know that you will get some things just right. And no one may be there to see it. So just in case, Great Job Mom.