The REAL Parenting Expert

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Playtex Baby. All opinions are authentic and my own. Please see my disclosure policy.

What Makes Someone a Parenting Expert?

Who are the parenting experts you turn to when you need parenting advice?  Are they authors?  Pediatricians?  Celebrities?  The popular baby product brand, Playtex, thinks the best parenting experts are MOMS!  Playtex has created a virtual network of parenting experts so “moms and dads can find common parenting ground and support each other through sharing stories, tips, product reviews, insights and unique experiences of parenthood.”  And they’ve asked me to be one of them!

At first, I was like “WHAT?!”  I am NO parenting expert.  I am just a typical homeschooling work-at-home mom of 3 trying to figure this parenting craziness out as I go.  But then I got to thinking about who my go-to “parenting experts” are.  And that was easy; it’s my mama friends.  I go to other moms for parenting advice and support first.  Sure I read parenting books once in awhile, but the advice I truly value is from other moms who I can relate to.  And then I got to thinking…

So I thought to kick off this Playtex Baby Mom Trust fun, I’d share some wisdom from the REAL parenting experts: my B-Inspired Blogger mama friends…

Parenting Wisdom from The REAL Parenting Experts

• Follow Your Instincts – “Follow your own instincts. If you think something is wrong, it probably is. No one knows your child like you do.” Clare of Emmy’s Mummy
• Do What’s Best for YOUR Family – “Do what works best for your family, even if other people or even books tell you to do something differently. There are so many different ways to do things and the only right way is the one that works best for you & your baby.” Terri of Creative Family Fun
• Child Development Isn’t a Competition – “Development is not a race or a competition. First doesn’t always mean best. Follow your child.” The Monko of Taming the Goblin
• Match Your Research to YOUR Family & Child – “Do your research if you are interested in learning more about a particular topic and then follow through with what method or style that you believe best suits your family and, most importantly, your child.” Amanda of The Educators’ Spin On It
• Crying = Communication – “Trust your instincts. And when you get frustrated, try to remember that crying is a baby’s only way to communicate. He’s not trying to annoy you, he needs your help.” Dawn of Prickly Mom
• Be Flexible & Open-Minded – “Not one idea is the right idea. Be flexible, open-minded and willing to adjust to the needs of YOUR child.” Sarah of Little Bins for Little Hands
• Try to Stay Calm – “Trust your instincts and stay calm whenever possible.” Carrie of Crafty Mom Share
• Remember Common Sense – “Oh yeah, I got another one: ‘Apply common sense.’  You’d be amazed how many of my friends turned to a parenting book rather than common sense for some of the really basic parenting things. Like how to make up a bottle of formula and how long it can be left out.” The Monko of Taming the Goblin 
• Everyone’s NEW to This! – “You must to know that all parents are new and at times feel like they don’t have a clue, even ones with multiple kids. Parenting can feel like a science experiment at first, babies are all different. Go with your instinct and calmly think safety first!” Kim of The Educators’ Spin On It
• Give Yourself Lots of GRACE – “You simply will not do everything ‘RIGHT’ as a mom.  Quit trying to be the perfect mom for a lifetime and instead focus on just one day, hour, or even moment at a time.  And forgive yourself often and gracefully.” Krissy of B-Inspired Mama 

So full of wisdom, right?!  I love these mamas.  And I’m so so excited to be bringing mamas together to share and learn through the Playtex Baby Mom Trust.  Keep an eye out for more here and on the Playtex Baby Facebook Page!

Would you consider yourself a parenting expert?  Why or why not?  I’d love hear more in the comments below! 

More Parenting Articles from B-Inspired Mama:

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This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Playtex Baby. All opinions are authentic and my own. Please see my disclosure policy.