A childless friend recently made a well-meaning suggestion about how I care for my daughter, implying I might be doing something wrong. While I know the intention wasn’t to hurt, it left me with a mix of emotions—bitterness, self-doubt, and growing anxiety. In response, I turned to my trusted group of fellow mums for perspective.
One of them, Iwona, simply said, “You’re doing great, mama!” And at that moment, those words were all I needed to hear. It was a grounding reminder—not just of my ability as a mother but also of the importance of setting boundaries to protect my mental well-being.
Motherhood seems to invite unsolicited opinions from everyone, from strangers on the street to shop assistants, friends, and even family. And if setting boundaries isn’t your strong suit, now is the time to start honing that skill. You need it more than ever to navigate the barrage of well-meant but often unhelpful advice.
When I was pregnant, a friend shared wisdom that continues to guide me:
Don’t listen to anyone but yourself.
As mothers, we’ve done the research, tuned into our bodies, and learned to read our children’s cues. Trust that intuition. You know your child better than anyone, and you’re doing a great job. Don’t let anyone’s unsolicited advice shake your confidence.
If you’re reading this and know someone new to parenting, or about to step into it, be their Iwona. Be a safe space, a sounding board, and, most importantly, a voice of encouragement. Sometimes all they need to hear is, “You’re doing great.”
PS: If you’re expecting, congratulations! Check out my post on preparing for your new baby—it’s filled with practical tips to help you feel ready and confident for this beautiful journey.