How to Deal With Pushy People and Unwanted Parenting Advice

Member

By PurpleAnkh
User-Submitted Article

Article Rating: (5 Ratings)

"Well, If I were you..."

Are you tired of dealing with the constant unwanted, unsolicited advice on how to raise your children? Are pushy, bossy people including strangers, driving you crazy? Here are a few simple tips to quiet the advisors and keep you sane.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Positive attitude
Assertiveness
Patience

Step 1

Exercise Patience:
Realize that the person is probably not trying to be rude or make you upset. They are probably well-intentioned and trying to help, even though you don't feel you need it. Sometimes unsolicited advice is helpful, sometimes it isn't. As the parent, it is your ultimately your decision.
Step 2

Do Not Feel the Need to Explain Yourself:
You have no obligation to explain yourself or your parenting methods, especially to a stranger.
Step 3

Learn a few key phrases:

1) Thanks, I'll take that into consideration.
2) I appreciate your help, but I can handle this on my own.
3) Thank you, but I am following the advice of our physician.

And finally, for people who just don't get the message:
4) These are my children and it is my decision.
5) I don't need any advice, thank you.
Step 4

Stay Firm:
Once you have made your decision, do not waver or back down.

These sound simple, but they can be hard to put into practice. Just remember that you have no obligation to explain yourself to a stranger. Your obligation is to raise your children the best way you see fit.