When I was pregnant, I could not believe how many random people would come up to me to give me advice on pregnancy and babies. It was as if I had a sign posted on my forehead "I have no clue what I am doing, please help me." I worked on on perfecting my "I don't give a f*ck what you have to say" look but apparently these people didn't care. Not only would they give me advice, they would also tell me horror stories about giving birth. *WARNING* If you have NOT had a baby yet: if you ever become pregnant, people feel some unknown reason to tell you the most horrifying birthing stories when they find out you are pregnant. It is disturbing. After I gave birth and it was clear that I was not only a first time mother but a single mother, well, the advice just came flowing in (along with the sympathy of course. I was, after all, to be pitied. Geez.)
I don't know why people feel they need to give mothers advice. Do we, meaning ALL mothers, look like we are utterly clueless? Do you, meaning people who have children who are older than mine, feel like you did such an amazing job with your children that you need to pass on your sage advice? Are you children that amazing? Are you an award winning child psychologist? Have you written a NYTime's Bestselling parenting book? No? Than shut up! Did I specifically ask you for your advice? No? Than shut up! I DO NOT WANT YOUR ADVICE!
It's bad enough when the advice comes from random strangers (is that redundant? are all strangers random? Hmm, I will have to think about this one...) but when it comes from your relatives that seems to say, "Clearly you are screwing up, let me help you" at which point you want to fire back "Hey, I've SEEN the product of your parenting, I really don't want your advice, thanks".
What is really hard is when your mother gives you advice. Apparently, my mother thinks I constantly need advice. It really makes no sense when you think about it. She was such a great parent that she feels the need to dish out her advice freely YET if she was such a great parent, you would think her children (ME that is) wouldn't need advice on how to parent. Its a conundrum (which is a great word).
I think my kid is awesome, I may be bias but he pretty much rocks and I like to think that is ALL my doing though Matt may have a little something to do with it. He throws tantrums, he whines, he occasionally bites/kicks/pinches but always says sorry and has a good reason plus he's three years old so that should be reason enough. But he is hysterical, kind, incredibly intelligent, unbelievably athletic, a gentleman, a sweetheart and phenomenally awesome. So I must be doing something right. And I'm doing it with your advice...so bite your lip unless you wish to comment on how adorable we are and how wonderful I am doing as a parent, got it? Okay good. :)
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