Not All Advice Is Created Equal
Living Free and Not-So-Easy
"'To avoid diaper rash, have your son go diaper-less.' He was 2 weeks old. Worse, I was a first-time mom, SO I LISTENED TO THIS. I lasted an hour before deciding potential diaper rash was a worthier risk than admission to a mental institution."
– Meredith Spidel, The Mom of the Year
Saying 'No' No-No
"The worst? Someone once told me not to ever tell my children 'no.' That way they wouldn't learn the word 'no' and wouldn't repeat it constantly when they were toddlers. Needless to say, I did not follow this advice. Can you imagine your kid about to stick something into an electrical outlet and saying, 'Oh, um, I think we should make a different choice, sweetie!' Worst. Advice. Ever."
– Lisa Packer
Two's Company
"'You need to have another baby to keep this one company.' Because that's a good enough reason."
(Yes, we're sure Baby No. 2 would be thrilled to hear that when she was older. "Well, sure we love you, but mostly you're just here to entertain your sister.")
– Brenna Jennings, Suburban Snapshots
Fretting Over Felines
"That I MUST get rid of my cats before the baby came because they would suffocate him when trying to drink the milk from his mouth. Really? Eli is almost 2 now, and I can assure you, they have never been close enough to even sniff the milk, let alone try to drink it. He likes to pull tails; they want nothing to do with him!"
– Mandy Craze
Right, It's the Baby That's Tired ...
"First baby, first couple of months, from my mother-in-law: 'Try to relax more. Other moms seem more relaxed with their kids.' Sorry, just trying to keep this totally helpless person alive with zero help and no sleep.
Also, I love when people at the grocery store tell me, 'Looks like he needs a nap.' Um, no, he just had a nap, and we need food, so back off …"
– Mae Pascal
Seventh Day Self-Soother
"'Don't pick him up right away when he cries. Let him try to soothe himself first.' He was a week old."
– Anna Luther, My Life and Kids
