…there will be those who will simply continue to criticize you. It’s important to limit your time with them and remember that you never have to justify your lifestyle or your parenting choices to anyone. Period.
Resist the urge to justify or proselytize
No matter how intentional your parenting choices are, no matter how much research you can cite to back them, and no matter how much empathy you show your family, there will be those who will simply continue to criticize you. It’s important to limit your time with them and remember that you never have to justify your lifestyle or your parenting choices to anyone. Period.
You also don’t have to spread the good news of respectful parenting like a Hare Krishna. Your actions will speak louder than your words, and if an interested family member feels inspired by your parenting, they will reach out. Wait until that moment and resist sharing your opinions unless a child’s welfare is being jeopardized.
Build a village of like-minded people
Some of us are fortunate to have a beautiful network of loving, supportive family members. Sadly, some aren’t. Those without supportive families must build their own village. My husband and I are lucky to have my parents living close by, and they couldn’t be more affirming and supportive of our parenting choices. Yet even we have found value in building a network of close friends who can help us out in a bind and share the agony and ecstasy of life with small children. Building a community who understands why you parent the way you do and are supportive of your lifestyle is incredibly valuable.
If you are parenting with respect and empathy, you can rest assured that even if your Uncle Mike doesn’t understand the choices you make, you’re doing what’s best for your kids. And isn’t that what matters most anyway?
Megan Stonelake is a therapist and parent coach who teaches parents all over the world how to become more peaceful. She has written extensively on peaceful parenting for Parent.co, Hey Sigmund, and The Huffington Post among others. You can follow her blog or schedule a session at her website. You can also follow her on Facebook and Twitter.
