You may know children...but I know me

For those that don't already know, my wife and I are expecting our first child (a little baby girl if you would like to know). Now, one of the best things about expecting a child is the amount of compliments on your future parenting skills as well as the plethora of advice that you will receive. On the other hand, one of the worst things about expecting a child is the plethora of advice you will receive.

Let me explain.

I am all about people offering wisdom that they have acquired over the years as well as conventional wisdom that has been passed down over the generations. You wanna load me up with that information? I am all ears. Having said that, contain your bits of advice to information that would be relevant across the board; I certainly don't need you telling me about my personality when you are certainly not me.

Need me to clear that up a little bit?

If you know me, you know that I have a true obsession with cleanliness and tidiness. When a pillow is crooked, I straighten it. When the counter is dirty, I wipe it. When a blanket is laying on the couch, I fold it and store it. For those who like to continue telling me, "That will change when the baby comes," or "You won't be able to be that way with a baby to care for."

Ummm, bitch, you don't even know me!

If you don't think I can sweep a floor with a baby in the other arm, you have another thing coming. Trust me, I get that priorities change, and yes, little Berkeley (along with her amazing mother) will be my number one priorities...but my obsession with maintaining order in my house is not a priority. It is just a fact of life.

Trust me, I appreciate the wisdom and advice that is given to us; I really do. However, my advice right back to you is to think about the advice you are giving. When it comes to raising children, you may have been damn good at it, and I am certain I will be a parent similar to my own parents. (For the record, we both had some pretty great parents). With that being said, my personality and tendencies are mine, and you are not me. A well-cared-for, well-loved child and a tidy home are not mutually exclusive. For every example you can give to try to prove that, I can give you ten examples to back my point.

So again, when it comes to child-rearing advice, thank you! When it comes to personal psyche "wisdom", no thank you!

#beyourself #childraising #stillloveyouall