This week’s question came from one of our writers, Maggie Ellison, who asked… 

“Who do you turn to for parenting advice?”

Here are some of our writers’ responses …

FireCrystals of India writes:
“I generally turn to my friends for advice on parenting.  Advice from the older generation are often outdated and no longer relevant.”

Asta Burrows of Norway writes:
“I turn to my parents!  And then I take advice with a “pinch of salt” :)”

Dee Harlow of Mexico writes:
“I agree wtih FireCrystals, grandmas either don’t seem to remember or new parenting methods are better. I have to admit that I did take one queue from my mother-in-law and have not used baby monitors for our twins. Her generation would just put kids down to sleep and carry on with their business, usually cocktails at a neighbor’s house. That’s quite extreme and probably careless, but my point is there’s something to be said about not following your baby’s every peep and moan that has liberated my husband and me more than a baby monitor would allow.

I seek advice from my sister-in-law and friends, especially friends who have kids close in age to mine since there is something about the sleep-deprived memory of us moms that don’t allow some of my friends to remember much either! 

I also joined a “twin moms” Yahoo! group when I was pregnant and have found this forum to be really helpful after the kids were born. An on-line community gives me a wide range of perspectives and experiences on many parenting issues while allowing me to take it or leave it since I don’t know anyone personally.”

A. Roselyn of California, USA writes:
“I turn to a good friend who is a child psychologist (and so is her husband).  What I love most about her is her honesty that she doesn’t always practice what she teaches.”

Maggie Ellison of South Carolina, USA writes:
“I always go to my sister. She and I are very alike and we have a pretty similar parenting style. I trust her judgement and know that she has the best intentions for my children, as I do for hers. We talk things out together and I love it. I don’t know what I would do without her!”

Karyn Van Der Zwet of New Zealand writes:
“Myself!  After realising that most of the parenting information out there didn’t actually match human biology. I did my own research, with much better results!”

Margie Bryant of Arkansas, USA writes:
“My Dad is always my go to for advice about my boys. He is always open minded, honest and non-judgmental…but he does joke that I am getting paid back for my youth.”

Kyla P’an of Massachusetts, USA writes:
“Depending on the topic in question, I turn to a handful of friends. I don’t seek out friends who are exactly like me, so I don’t expect them to parent exactly like me, but each one upholds a few of my similar values (spirituality, media, environment, education), so I seek their advice on those topics.

Never, ever, from my parents or in-laws (though advice is offered tirelessly nonetheless).”

Courtney Cappallo of Massachusetts, USA writes:
“I find that my girlfriends with kids are my best advice givers!  I love asking friends with kids who are older than mine, as they’ve been there and done that already.  I also like talking with friends whose children are the same age, as they can relate to my challenges at that very moment. This is why I benefit from reading this blog, so many mothers with such good advice and support!”

Eva Fannon of Washington State, USA writes:
“I have lots of aunties who are constantly offering parenting advice, but as FireCrystals said, it is usually outdated.  When I have parenting questions, I consult my fellow moms, read books and online resources, or ask my family practitioner.”

What about other parents out there…who do you turn to for parenting advice? 

And do you have a question you would like to pose to our WMB writers?  If so, email us at wmbsidebareditor@gmail.com to see what they have to say.

Visit us again on Sunday to see pick up next week’s travel itinerary!

– World Moms Blog

Photo credit to Nick Gray http://www.flickr.com/photos/nickgray/3459326535/. This photo has a creative commons attribute license.

World Moms Blog

World Moms Blog is an award winning website which writes from over 30 countries on the topics of motherhood, culture, human rights and social good. Over 70 international contributors share their stories from around the globe, bonded by the common thread of motherhood and wanting a better world for their children. World Moms Blog was listed by Forbes Woman as one of the "Best 100 Websites for Women 2012 & 2013" and also called a "must read" by the NY Times Motherlode in 2013. Our Senior Editor in India, Purnima Ramakrishnan, was awarded the BlogHer International Activist Award in 2013.

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