Generally speaking, offering someone parenting advice can be tricky. There’s a fine line between judgment and productive conversation that each parent personally draws. The problem is that we often don’t see that line until someone has crossed it. This can be especially true when it comes to our own parents and in-laws. While well-intended, advice can sometimes lead us to doubt our parenting abilities and question their belief in us as good parents.

Today’s question has a touch of honesty I appreciate. What is the best approach for a situation like the one below? Can you think of a time that a family member offered an insight in a helpful way? 

Share your thoughts below!

—Denisse, ParentData Community Manager

I am a granny who loves reading your newsletters. It keeps me informed and updated and is so insightful. I remember how daunting this time of my life was for me. How do I broach a conversation with my son and his wife about sleep training their nine-month-old? They are establishing no patterns, struggling immensely, and both are full-time-working parents. The baby cannot sleep anywhere but on someone’s body. I am scared to ruin our relationship, but would like to help them somehow.

—Granny

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