When my son was still a baby, it always irritated me when people would tell me what my child needed. I know it’s a motherly instinct (and I’m sure I do the same thing now too), but it made me nuts when people would say he was cold, tired or hungry, just because they thought so. And what would make me more aggravated was I would listen just to get them off my back EVEN IF I knew that wasn’t what he wanted at the time. Then, I would end up being angry at them when I really should have been angry at myself because I let them overpower me.
Don’t let anyone tell you what to do and / or how to raise your child. People tend to forget what it is like to raise small children, especially when it comes to discipline. My husband and I tend to be on the stricter side, but we often hear how easy it is to be around our children and how well behaved they are. We attribute that to strong discipline. Yes, we are very fortunate to have healthy children but I believe good morals, value and the proper amount of discipline play an even bigger role.
My feeling is if you believe you are doing what is best for your children, whether it is eating habits, sleeping patterns, rewards or punishments, then tell everyone else to “back off”. (Nicely, of course.) Don’t second guess yourself. It is important to ask for help and advice when you need it, but don’t compromise yourself in return. I’m not saying to have a chip on your shoulder but remember - you’re the mother, you know your child and what is best for them. What you say goes!
