Parenting, like no other issue, attracts opinions and advice from everyone. Because at one stage in our lives, we’ve all had some parenting experience (we’ve either been parented, or are a parent, have seen parents, or know parents!!) Somehow, everyone seems to be an expert on how you should raise your children.

So what happens when your parenting views differ greatly from your family’s or friend’s? And how do you handle the inevitable criticism, and advice?

There isn’t a simple answer, but some tips to help you along the way are as follows:

• Be confident in your convictions. You have made these choices for a reason, and having the courage to stick by them, will ultimately serve you.
• Remember that criticism, is always about the one who is criticising – it doesn’t reflect on you. When you make a choice that differs to theirs, it puts their parenting methods in question. And noone likes having their ideals questioned. Some people may even take offence that you didn’t choose to do things the same way you did- interpreting your choices, as meaning theirs were inferior. The point is, it’s about them, not about you
• Be well researched. We’ve found, that as long as you know what you’re talking about, and have the research to back it up. There are few things that can be said to undermine your choices. (However, some friends of ours, take great pleasure in producing “research” that conflicts with our parenting choices)
• Be prepared to accept, that your way isn’t for everyone, and sometimes, it pays just to smile and nod! And do things your way anyway.

Your support network is perhaps the biggest parenting tool you can have up your sleeve, so if that support isn’t coming from family, or friends, take the time to seek out people who can and will support you. The internet is full of great forums  for attachment parents, and natural parents.

One of the biggest challenges we’ve faced, are our vaccination choices. We, based on our research have chosen not to vaccinate our children. This is faced with huge opposition from within our family – and no ammount of reason nor logic will change their minds. We’ve taken the approach that we know we’re doing the best thing for our children, and that’s all that matters. We’ve built a support network of health care professionals, friends, and aqquaintances, to help us through the rough times, and help reassure us when we question our choices. And the support has been a godsend.

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