Comments on: for parents only: unsolicited advice

By: sarah

sarah — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 01:29:43 +0000

ps. saw this and thought of this post…

http://clothing.cafepress.com/item/my-mom-doesnt-want-your-advice-infant-bodysuit/253055526
sarah´s last blog ..Dimples n Drool…

By: sarah

sarah — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 01:46:38 +0000

So true. We have learned over the years to not give parenting advice unless we are asked. (in person specifically to a friend – like you said, blogs are a bit different because you aren’t targeting one person) Anyway. We DO get asked parenting questions ALL THE TIME – and I think it’s in-part because we make sure to never “offer” unsolicited advice.

This week, we’ve been sick, and someone implied to me it was because I didn’t give my children enough broccoli. (which isn’t true – and when I pointed that out it was because my 12 month old must have had her 12 month vax’s – which she hasn’t yet. I admit it was kind of fun to tell them so) While this person meant well I never asked them WHY we got sick…

I have no idea where I was going with that example… except that I agree with you. :)

By: deblara

deblara — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 00:49:54 +0000

I was specifically referring to individuals who, as the title suggests, are coming to me specifically and telling me, in essence, “your children need more discipline.” I get frustrated because they are not inviting me into a discussion on raising children- just telling me what I should do with my kids; and I don’t feel I can tell them to mind their own business. on a blog or podcast, advice and tips can be shared to a general audience without a particular person being targeted. and comments and interaction are welcomed.

By: abelara

abelara — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 00:27:14 +0000

@mary I think the distinction is found in the title of the post. deb was referring to “unsolicited advice”.

if I read a blog post or listen to a podcast episode, I’m soliciting, or inviting them, to speak into my life. and the same goes for those who read or listen to our content.

I may not agree with the person who’s work I read or listen to, but I’ve chosen bring that into my life and I can just as easily choose to stop.

great question!

By: Mary Streubel

Mary Streubel — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 00:01:18 +0000

So do you draw a distinction between giving advice online in a blog or podcast to giving it in person?