Mom & Dad: Overwhelmed With Parenting Advice? Here's How to Keep Perspective by Samantha Harris

I was the first of my friends to have kids. I didn’t know much. So, I turned to the one place I knew had all the answers – the Internet. At first, it was helpful, but after some time I started to feel overwhelmed. With the Internet, I had access to unlimited information to help me become the best mom I could be – but with it came criticisms that made me feel like I was never good enough.

Finally, I realized the most important part of being a mom wasn't about receiving public approval; it was about making sure my boys were happy, healthy and socially competent. Now, when I come across parenting advice online, there are a few things I like to think about to keep perspective:

• Will this keep my sons and those around them safe and healthy?
• Will this help them grow as people?
• Will this work for our family?
• Are there facts to back the opinions?

We live in a time when a person's self-worth is too often measured by the amount of “likes” she or he can garner. I don’t believe that's an accurate measurement of anything – especially not good parenting. To your child, you’re the physical incarnation of the universe and its infinite wisdom. Don’t take that for granted. You've got this!