X
theAsianparent Logo
theAsianparent Logo
Product GuideSign in
  • SPF 2023
  • Pregnancy
    • Due date calculator
    • I'm pregnant
    • Trying To Conceive
    • Labour
    • After birth
    • Baby loss
  • Parenting
    • Parent's Guide
    • Relationship & Sex
  • Child
    • Newborn
    • Baby
    • Toddler
    • Pre-Schooler
    • Kid
    • Pre-Teen & Teen
  • Feeding & Nutrition
    • Diseases-Injuries
    • Breastfeeding & Formula
    • Meal Planner
    • Health
    • Allergies & Conditions
    • Vaccinations
  • Education
    • Pre-School
    • Primary School
    • Secondary School
    • Primary School Directory
  • Lifestyle
    • Money
    • Travel & Leisure
    • Fashion
    • Home
    • Fitness
    • Contests & promotions
  • News
    • International
    • Health
    • Celebrity
    • Singapore
  • Aptamil
    • Immunity
    • Intelligence
  • TAP Recommends
  • Shopping
  • Press Releases
  • Project Sidekicks
  • Community
  • Advertise With Us
  • Contact Us
  • VIP

"How Should I Deal With Unsolicited Parenting Advice?"

2 min read
"How Should I Deal With Unsolicited Parenting Advice?"

We didn't ask for advice, but we're getting them anyway. What now?

New parents know what this is like: you’re doing something seemingly innocuous—like strapping your child into his carseat or feeding her baby food—and you’re suddenly bombarded with do’s and dont’s and how-to’s. How should you react to unsolicited advice? That’s what one theAsianparent Community user had to ask.

1. Stay cool

First of all, don’t get upset. Though unsolicited advice is often annoying, most people who give it mean well.

“My trick is to smile it off,” writes Yuna L. “No point getting upset over such things—if it’s useful information, I’d remember the advice. But if’s just annoying or critical, I’ll just smile at first and shake it off afterwards.”

2. Listen

How Should I Deal With Unsolicited Parenting Advice?

Instead of reacting negatively, patiently listen. Who knows? You might even learn something. “Get the good and forget the bad,” Eds A. responds. “Consider also what the motivation is in giving the advice. More often than not, it is really to help you deal with the problem at hand.”

“Sometimes it may be good advice even though it was ‘volunteered’ by the other well-intended individual,” writes Jacq N. “So it’s good to keep an open mind when it comes to such things but also remember not to let it bother you if it is not applicable (especially if the person is not fully aware of the situation).”

3. Say thanks

Obviously, you’re not going to agree with everything. Sometimes, you’ll have to stand your ground, but do this politely. You’ll gain nothing by losing your temper. Explain your side calmly, thank them for their input, and if you need to, excuse yourself. Remember that at the end of the day, you are the parent, and unless you’re actually harming your child, how you choose to raise your child should be respected.

Be sure to check out theAsianparent Community for more insightful stories, questions, and answers from parents and experts alike. If you have any insights, questions or comments regarding the topic, please share them in our Comment box below.

Partner Stories
5 Reasons to Get Excited About Asian Representation on Disney+’s American Born Chinese!
5 Reasons to Get Excited About Asian Representation on Disney+’s American Born Chinese!
21st Century Parenting 101: Hear From Our Experts About Everything from S.T.E.M to Your Child’s Digital Well Being
21st Century Parenting 101: Hear From Our Experts About Everything from S.T.E.M to Your Child’s Digital Well Being
Is Your Child’s Tummy Troubles Causing You Sleepless Nights? Lactogen 3 is Your Solution!
Is Your Child’s Tummy Troubles Causing You Sleepless Nights? Lactogen 3 is Your Solution!
Mom to Mom: Caring for your baby's skin naturally while being sustainable
Mom to Mom: Caring for your baby's skin naturally while being sustainable

Got a parenting concern? Read articles or ask away and get instant answers on our app. Download theAsianparent Community on iOS or Android now!

img
Written by

Cristina Morales

  • Home
  • /
  • Parenting
  • /
  • "How Should I Deal With Unsolicited Parenting Advice?"
Share:
  • Mum-To-Be Questions Whether Friend Who Is 'Just' a Stepmum Can Offer Valid Parenting Advice

    Mum-To-Be Questions Whether Friend Who Is 'Just' a Stepmum Can Offer Valid Parenting Advice

  • Parenting Lessons From a Commando and Daddy of 3

    Parenting Lessons From a Commando and Daddy of 3

  • Melissa Faith Yeo Claims Andie Chen Accused Her of Cheating to Get Pity Votes for Star Awards

    Melissa Faith Yeo Claims Andie Chen Accused Her of Cheating to Get Pity Votes for Star Awards

  • Neighbour Complains Of Crying Baby, Mum Hits Back With A Witty Letter

    Neighbour Complains Of Crying Baby, Mum Hits Back With A Witty Letter

  • Mum-To-Be Questions Whether Friend Who Is 'Just' a Stepmum Can Offer Valid Parenting Advice

    Mum-To-Be Questions Whether Friend Who Is 'Just' a Stepmum Can Offer Valid Parenting Advice

  • Parenting Lessons From a Commando and Daddy of 3

    Parenting Lessons From a Commando and Daddy of 3

  • Melissa Faith Yeo Claims Andie Chen Accused Her of Cheating to Get Pity Votes for Star Awards

    Melissa Faith Yeo Claims Andie Chen Accused Her of Cheating to Get Pity Votes for Star Awards

  • Neighbour Complains Of Crying Baby, Mum Hits Back With A Witty Letter

    Neighbour Complains Of Crying Baby, Mum Hits Back With A Witty Letter

Get advice on your pregnancy and growing baby. Sign up for our newsletter
  • Pregnancy
    • Baby
    • Education
    • Events
    • Allergies & Conditions
  • Family Occasions
    • Breastfeeding & Formula
    • Child Safety
    • Health
    • Diseases-Injuries
  • Lifestyle
    • Home
    • Money
    • Feeding & Nutrition
    • Diet & Weightloss
  • Normal Delivery
    • Cesarean Delivery
    • Behaviour
    • Secondary School
    • Formula Feeding
  • Ages & Stages
    • Latching & Concerns
    • Festivals & Holidays
    • Education
    • Pre-teen & Teen
  • More
    • TAP Community
    • Advertise With Us
    • Contact Us
    • Become a Contributor


  • Singapore flag Singapore
  • Thailand flag Thailand
  • Indonesia flag Indonesia
  • Philippines flag Philippines
  • Malaysia flag Malaysia
  • Sri-Lanka flag Sri Lanka
  • India flag India
  • Vietnam flag Vietnam
  • Australia flag Australia
  • Japan flag Japan
  • Nigeria flag Nigeria
  • Kenya flag Kenya
© Copyright theAsianparent 2023. All rights reserved
About Us|Team|Privacy Policy|Terms of Use |Sitemap HTML
  • Tools
  • Articles
  • Feed
  • Poll

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Learn MoreOk, Got it

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Learn MoreOk, Got it

theAsianparent heart icon
We’d like to send you notifications for the latest news and updates on baby care and health.