People constantly provide opinions, advice, and judgmental statements about how parents should raise their children. Every group—such as social media users, relatives, and even total strangers—maintains its own views on parenting methods. The necessity to do things correctly creates severe pressure, leading parents to doubt their decision-making abilities.
Through her book, Lesley Prosko guides mothers to trust their parenting decisions by showing them how to overcome judgment and conquer feelings of maternal guilt. Every parenting decision is different since no standard method for child-rearing exists. Every family requires different approaches, which may produce conflicting results between households. Environmental studies research shows that parents should discover their individual way forward through confident child-rearing practices.
The Pressure to Parent “Perfectly”
Parenting guidelines exist everywhere in our contemporary society. Social media influencers on Instagram present artificially perfect motherhood status, while many parenting books promote their unique methods through claims of correctness, and well-meaning family members provide unsolicited advice on every aspect of child care, including feeding and behavior management.
Postnatal information available everywhere makes parents feel they consistently fail to measure up. Parents will always make imperfect choices, and their children will differ from one another. The most important factor lies in the approach that works best for your family.
How to Tune Out the Noise
1. Trust Your Instincts
Your understanding of your child surpasses that of any other person. The strategies that benefit another child will not necessarily help yours and that is completely acceptable. Accept helpful guidance but maintain the certainty that you will choose appropriate decisions for your child.
2. Set Boundaries with Outside Opinions
Well-meaning family members or friends may offer parenting advice, but that doesn’t mean you have to take it. It’s okay to say, “Thanks, but we’re doing what works best for our family.”
3. Limit Social Media Comparisons
Scrolling through carefully curated posts of picture-perfect moms with spotless homes and happy, well-dressed kids can make anyone feel inadequate. But social media only shows the highlights—not the full picture. No one posts about the tantrums, sleepless nights, or self-doubt. Unfollow accounts that make you feel bad and focus on what truly matters.
4. Do What Works for You
Some parents thrive on strict routines, while others prefer a more flexible approach. Some kids respond well to gentle parenting, while others need firmer boundaries. There is no universal right way—only what’s right for your child and family.
5. Let Go of Guilt
Guilt is a common part of parenting, but it shouldn’t control your decisions. No parent is perfect, and mistakes are part of the journey. The most important thing is that you’re trying your best and loving your child unconditionally.
Raising Kids with Confidence
Parenting with confidence doesn’t mean you’ll never make mistakes—it means accepting that mistakes are part of the process. Your child doesn’t need a perfect parent; they just need a present, loving, and supportive one.
Closing Thoughts
At the end of the day, you are the best parent for your child. You don’t need approval from social media, family, or parenting books—you just need to trust yourself. By tuning out the noise and focusing on what works for your family, you can raise your kids with confidence and joy.