As a new parent, it's natural to receive comments and feedback about your baby from friends, family, and even strangers. However, sometimes these comments can cross a line and leave parents feeling frustrated, judged, and criticized. In this article, we'll explore some common comments that new parents receive and how to respond to them.
"Your baby is so small/big!" One of the most common comments new parents receive is about their baby's size. While it may seem like an innocent observation, it can actually be quite hurtful. For parents of smaller babies, they may worry about their child's health or feel like they're not doing enough to help them grow. For parents of larger babies, they may feel like they're being criticized for overfeeding or not being able to control their child's weight.
How to respond: Simply thank the person for their observation and change the subject. You can say something like, "Yes, he/she is definitely growing quickly! Have you seen any good movies lately?"
"Is your baby sleeping through the night yet?" Sleep is one of the biggest challenges new parents face, and the pressure to have a baby who sleeps through the night can be overwhelming. When someone asks if your baby is sleeping through the night, it can feel like they're judging your parenting skills or implying that there's something wrong with your child.
How to respond: Be honest and let them know that your baby is still waking up during the night. You can also let them know that you're working on establishing a sleep routine and appreciate any advice or support they can offer.
"Your baby looks just like [insert family member here]!" While it's natural for family members to see similarities between your baby and other relatives, it can feel like they're ignoring the fact that your baby is their own unique individual.
How to respond: Acknowledge the similarity and move on. You can say something like, "Yes, I can see the resemblance! But he/she also has their own distinct features and personality."
"You should [insert unsolicited parenting advice here]." Everyone has an opinion on how to raise a child, and it's not uncommon for people to offer unsolicited advice to new parents. However, this can be overwhelming and make parents feel like they're not doing a good job.
How to respond: Politely thank them for their advice, but let them know that you prefer to make your own parenting decisions. You can say something like, "I appreciate your input, but I think every child is different and I want to do what's best for my baby."
"Your baby is so cute, I could just eat them up!" While this comment may seem harmless, it can be alarming for new parents. The idea of someone wanting to "eat" your baby can be unsettling and make you feel like your child is being objectified.
How to respond: Politely acknowledge the comment, but let them know that you prefer to think of your baby as a living being rather than something to consume. You can say something like, "Thank you, but I prefer to think of my baby as a person rather than something to be eaten!"
As a new parent, it's important to set boundaries and not let other people's comments get to you. Remember that you know your baby best and are doing the best you can as a parent. If you do receive a comment that feels hurtful or judgmental, don't be afraid to politely let the person know how it made you feel. Ultimately, the most important thing is to focus on your baby's well-being and enjoy this special time with your new family.
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