Unprofessional Parenting

As I am getting close to having my second child I am once again surprised at the amount of unsolicited advice that I am receiving from friends, family, and total strangers. I obviously don’t know everything so I’m not automatically annoyed by advice but it seems like the same people who are always telling me the same things and honestly, it’s getting a little old.

Here are my favorites for this baby:

* I should trade my car in now because it won’t be big enough for two kids. I think we’ll cross this road when/if we come to it - thanks anyway (by the way, I drive a Chevy Tahoe - it’s really big so I’m surprised that I keep hearing this one. Do I really need a utility van for two kids?).

* My older son will turn into a rabid monster once his brother is born.  Yeah, I know there will be some adjustments for him that might be tough for a while but seriously - stop telling me this! It’s fairly rude and, like anything that I might hear several times a week, I’m just sick of it.

* I need to get a double stroller asap.  I have a single stroller that I think I’ve used a total of 3 times. My son is 27 months old and won’t ride in a stroller to save his life so I don’t think this applies to us - thanks anyway.

*The ultrasound must be wrong because it just feels like we’re having a girl. Okay, this comes from an elderly family member who means well but is obsessed with us having a girl. The ultrasound is pretty clear. If this is a girl she’s got some issues we’ll definitely need to attend to after her birth. . .

* Your life will totally change. I heard this so much with my first son - not that it isn’t true but I already know that life will be different. I’m one of those people who actually considers these things so the assumption that I would get pregnant without being aware that life will change is mildly offensive.

I’m sure there will be a follow up on this one. I try to take it as a lesson that most people don’t want advice they didn’t ask for- not even my friends and/or family.  When people share news I try to listen and consider that I don’t automatically know everything about their situation so unless they ask I try to keep my opinions to myself.

Trackback URI | Comments RSS