Good Intentions, Bad Advice!

Salt Lake City — (KUTV) Everyone has had their share of experiences with unwanted, unsolicited parenting advice from family, friends, and strangers alike.

Licensed Therapist Clair Mellenthin visited Fresh Living to talk about what you should do in that situation. She says it’s important to trust your self as a parent, and when you are needing advice, seek out information from trusted sources.

1. Smile, and say “Thank you” then walk away (and then choose to either toss it to the wind or think about it later)
2. Ask how this advice has worked with their own child
3. You have permission to just say, “You know, its a bad day today” and not justify your or your child’s behaviors to others
4. Say “Parenting is a tough job some days. Its lucky I love this little guy”
5. Set a boundary- if someone is overstepping their role in your or your child’s life, it is okay to set a limit and tell them no (wait! This is parenting right?!)

For more information from Clair, visit clairmellenthin.comand wasatchfamilytherapy.com or call (801) 944-4555