Parenting Support Shouldn't Cause Unnecessary Stress

There is so much information out there about how to be a “good parent.” But sometimes, instead of helping, it makes us feel overwhelmed, anxious, or like we’re not doing enough. That’s when parenting advice can turn into unnecessary stress—when it adds guilt instead of offering support. 

Join me for a few quick tips to help digest parenting support in a healthy, and not stressful, way.

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Transcript

Hi there, I’m Emily Scott, PhD from Renewed Hope Parenting, and welcome to Quick Tips to Renew Your Parenting—your go-to podcast for practical parenting support in under 10 minutes. As always, I keep this podcast short and sweet because we are busy parents without a lot of time to spare. If you aren't already following along with me on social media, I would love for you to join me—just search @RenewedHopeParenting.

Today’s episode is about something really important: how we take in parenting advice—including this podcast—and how to keep it from becoming a source of toxic stress. Parenting support should build you up, not tear you down. So let’s talk about how to hold onto what helps and gently let go of what doesn’t.

There is so much information out there about how to be a “good parent.” But sometimes, instead of helping, it makes us feel overwhelmed, anxious, or like we’re not doing enough. That’s when parenting advice can turn into unnecessary stress—when it adds guilt instead of offering support. In my work as a parent coach, I study a lot of parenting advice out there. Most of it helpful and kind, but every once in a while, I finish a book feeling worse about my parenting than before. I’m sure most author and parenting support people out there don’t mean to make us feel like that, but it does happen, often because of our own insecurities or hurt.

As a parent coach and a mom, I want you to know this:
 You don’t have to do everything “right.”
 You are allowed to disagree with advice—even mine.
 You know your family best.

Let’s go over a few quick tips to help you take in parenting advice in a way that’s actually helpful—not harmful.

1. Take What Works, Leave What Doesn’t
 Every family is different. Just because something worked for someone else doesn’t mean it’s right for your child or your season of life. You are allowed to pick and choose. Parenting advice is a resource—not a rulebook. And maybe you take in some advice that doesn’t apply to your life now, but it’s something you can hang onto for the future.

2. Listen With Curiosity, Not Judgment
 Approach new ideas with a sense of curiosity, not self-criticism. Instead of thinking, “Why haven’t I been doing this?” try, “Could this help us right now?” Give yourself permission to learn without blaming yourself for not knowing it sooner.

3. It’s Okay to Feel Uncomfortable—Sometimes
 Some advice may feel uncomfortable—not because it’s wrong, but because it challenges a habit or pattern that isn’t working. If you’re facing real struggles in your home, don’t be afraid to try something new, even if it stretches you a little. Change can feel hard before it feels helpful.

4. Protect Your Peace
 If reading a book, scrolling a parenting blog, or listening to a podcast leaves you feeling stressed, anxious, or not enough, give yourself permission to take a break. Support should feel like support. If it doesn’t, it’s okay to hit pause.

Parenting advice is meant to help you, not shame you. Take what fits your family, explore ideas with curiosity, don’t be afraid of new tools when they’re needed, and most of all: trust yourself. You are doing your best, and that is more than enough.

If today’s episode brought you a little more peace or perspective, I want to invite you to go deeper with one of my online parenting classes, created specifically for busy parents who want real, lasting change in their families.

Visit RenewedHopeParenting.com to sign up.

Thank you again for joining me on Quick Tips to Renew Your Parenting. Small changes can bring big renewal. You’re doing important work, and I’m honored to support you in it. See you next time!