I hate it when people give me unsolicited parenting advice.  There’s only one thing that I tell new parents (both mothers and fathers).  I always tell them to listen to what others have to say but don’t accept it as the best way for your child.  You are her parents and you know what is best for her.  However, it might be hard to get the confidence in your parenting abilities to actually do that.  It’s too easy to run to the bookstore and buy the latest parenting book.  Before you go and do that, take a few minutes to consider what you read here.

Long before parenting books and videos, women had children and were able to take care of their needs.  You know your baby’s cries – what one means she is hungry, what one means she is hurt.  Before all these instructional items a mom would take care of the needs of the child based on what she thought would help.  If a mother felt overwhelmed or confused she could always turn to a family member or friend for advice.

Today there are many places a person can turn to for parenting advice.  You’ve got web sites, books, videos and television shows.  Is it really necessary?  Can too much information be a bad thing, especially if the information is contradictory?  I know I’ve experienced “information overload” some days when I look for parenting advice.  I’ve sat for hours on the computer reading parenting forums and web sites only to be more confused than when I sat down.

Instead of running to a book for all the answers, trust your maternal instincts.  Try to be flexible – if one approach doesn’t work then try another one until you find what works for you and your child.  Don’t take things too seriously.  You’re going to make mistakes as a parent, so learn from them and move on.  What you really need to be a good parent is the confidence to follow your own instincts, not the parenting advice of books and television.