Best Parenting Advice We Received in 2023
A roundup of advice from our 2023 Parents to Know.
Esezele Payne:
“Every nanny is not for every age. We have had to switch nannies a couple of times and initially it stressed me out with all the change. But I have come to realize how important it is to have the right person in your home when your kids have different needs.”
Jen Kraus Rosen:
“Pick your three parenting things you want to strive to do well, and then be okay with not knocking the other areas out of the park. These can change over time, but clarity for your own sake is important. My current three are: 1) Dinner together, as a family, at least 5 nights a week 2) Connecting with each of my kids on something they are interested in for at least 5 minutes a day 3) Nurturing a love of reading.”
Christina Murphy:
“Save your “no’s” for the most important and safety-based scenarios. Otherwise, you saying “no” just becomes background noise. Also, when you think you have it all figured out, don’t get too excited. It’s all going to be different tomorrow. But, when you think it’s so hard you can’t possibly make it another day – don’t worry, it will all be different tomorrow!”
Heather Obleada:
“On my wedding day my mother told me ‘Don’t have children because everyone around you is, have children when you WANT them.'”
Katherine Hutchens:
“I’m not sure if it’s parenting or life advice but recently my therapist told me to, ‘allow others to be the blessings in your life.’ It has always been hard for me to accept help because I thought I was failing at parenting and life. When I do allow others to help I feel more calm, and more loved.”
Indre Buechler:
“One invaluable piece of parenting wisdom I’ve embraced is the significance of setting clear boundaries and striving for consistency. I think it helps root the children in a comforting foundation of stability while imparting values they will hopefully rely on throughout their life. Periodically, I have a convo with kids about what are some things I do well as a mom and some things I can improve on (that list is long!). The fact that we always try to set clear expectations and boundaries always somehow tends to come up as a positive for all kids, no matter their age. I’m a big believer in curfews, chores and volunteer or job responsibilities.”
Justin Perry:
“Our nurse at Novant told us after the birth of our first born, while she was coaching me on effective wiping and diaper changing, “While it’s true that you’ve never had kids before, remember he’s also never had parents before.” That perspective made space for reasonable expectations. Parenthood is 2/3 expectations and 1/3 execution.”
Liz Monterrey:
“The best parenting advice I’ve received is to be patient and to treat my child with the same respect I would give to an adult. It reminds me to foster a relationship built on understanding and communication.”
