Best Parenting Advice of 2022

A roundup from our Parents to Know series

“Be the person you wish your children become.” – Dr. Ana Maria Temple

“Trust your gut. Listen to your instincts and intuition. You’re better at this than you think you are.” – Molly Carroll

“Be open, understanding and remember you were once in their shoes.” – Muggsy Bogues

“Don’t compare. Trust your own instincts for what’s best for your child. It’s not “one size fits all” when it comes to parenting and just because something works for one child does not mean it works for yours.” – Natalie Stewart

“A few months after the birth of my first child, a friend with nearly grown children held my daughter, giving me a rare hands-free moment to sip a cup of tea. She looked over at me and said, “Try to remember what you like to do. They grow up. One day you’ll want to remember what you liked to do before they were the only thing you did.” At the time, I was finding my way into both motherhood and writing, and her words struck me then and have remained with me over the years. The reminder that parenting is a part of me, a beautiful part of me, but not the only part of me.” – Patrice Gopo

“Do not live your life through your children. Let them do what they love and what they want.” – Dr. Sarah Bharti

“Raising children is not a democracy. Discipline, structure, boundaries, and rules are all as much acts of love as quality time, providing fun, gifts, and affection. Your kids don’t call the shots nor do they know what is best—YOU do.” – Neely Verano

“Raising kids is part luck!” – Kimsioux Montgomery

“Something my wife and I try doing is diverting the word “no.” Instead of “No, you can’t watch more TV,” why not say, “I have new game, want to play outside?” If you can present another creative or fun option, instead of just saying no, your kiddo will be happier and have more intrigue in other things.” – James Kopecky

“There’s no wrong way to do it as long as you’re well-intentioned. In this day of nonstop social media, expectations can be a lot. As long as there’s love, attention, and involvement, you can’t go wrong.” – Dr. Sandy Charles

“When my oldest was really little, we took him on his first trip to the dentist. We worried about him sitting still in the chair, having stuff put in his mouth, his gag reflex…all of that. But it was smooth sailing. The pediatric dentist said, “never under-estimate your own child,” and I’ve tried to carry that with me.” – Tonya Graser Smith

 “As a first-time mother, I had to find out what worked for me rather than what other people thought would work best. I can appreciate others’ perspectives and still make my own decisions.” – Jessica Russell