Why do parents think they know everything about parenting?

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been to parent-child play dates and overheard parents giving each other parenting advice on how they raised their kids as if they had been some sort of child-rearing expert. But what I want to know is, are these parents really experts? Because every expert I know has experience in the field that they are working in, and this seems to be something these parents lack.

Parents assume they will be good at it.

Parents often go into parenthood with the assumption that they will be good at it. After all, they were raised by their own parents, so how hard could it be? However, parenthood is a completely different experience than anything else and can often be overwhelming for new parents. They quickly realize that they have no idea what they’re doing and are just winging it. While some parents are able to read books or take classes on parenting, most just have to figure it out as they go.

They have to be good at it.

Parents have to be good at parenting because they have to raise their children properly. They need to be able to teach them right from wrong and how to behave in society. In addition, parents need to be able to provide for their children financially and emotionally. Lastly, parents need to be able to set boundaries for their children and enforce rules.

They are older, so experience should help.

Parents often think they are better at parenting simply because they are older. They believe that the years of experience they have had raising children gives them an edge over others, including their own children. However, this is not always the case. Just because someone is older does not mean they are automatically good at parenting. In fact, some studies show that age does not necessarily correlate with good parenting skills. So why do parents think they know everything about parenting?

They read books

Parents read books and talk to other parents to try to learn everything they can about parenting. However, every child is different, so what works for one parent might not work for another. In the end, it’s up to each parent to figure out what works best for them and their family.

They did great raising us

They did a great job raising us, so why wouldn’t they be able to handle their own children? They’ve been through it all before and have the experience to back them up. Plus, they love us and want what’s best for us. However, sometimes we need to remind them that we’re adults now and can make our own decisions.

Others keep telling them how great they are

Parents are constantly told by others how great they are at parenting. They feel like they need to live up to this image and prove that they are the best parent possible. This pressure can sometimes be too much and make them feel like they’re not good enough.

How much worse could it get, anyway?

Parents often times think they know everything about parenting when in reality, they have no idea. They’re just making it up as they go along. And honestly, how much worse could it get? The child will still be alive and breathing at the end of the day.