My husband has 2 friends a couple that he’s known for 10 years. They have a 16-month-old son. They are a little older than me I’d say by 5 years.While they are both sweet and mean well; I feel that they constantly underestimate my parenting by patronizing me all the time.
Let me give some examples.
I was talking to the wife one day and I was telling her that my baby is kind of talking by babbling things like mama etc. She snapped with saying “Well he’s only 6 months he can’t be talking”. Of course, she didn’t understand the context of what I was saying. I didn’t mean that he was literally talking but kind of.
Then the other day they came over and saw that I had a stock -pile of homemade baby food. They were both like “You know you are supposed to puree all foods in the processor right?” I’m thinking to myself so I magically made all the baby food fit in the freezer trays without pureeing and steaming them? Sheesh what do you take me for an idiot?
2007-03-28 06:34:17 · 3 answers · asked by LOVE 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Other - Pregnancy & Parenting
I guess what I’m trying to say is, how can I let them know that I’m very capable of parenting despite my age? (24)
And when they start with their belittling comments and advice how should I react. It’s very hard to just ignore them you know. Should I retort with a “I know” response or just do what I need to do and let them think that they are actually teaching me something new?
I know I seem negative, but my husband agreed to go with them on a weekend trip.
So, I’m essentially stuck with them for a whole weekend.
2007-03-28 06:34:27 · update #1
Actually, to me these comments sound like jealousy. Maybe because you are so excited and seem like you have it all together. They're trying to make themselves feel better by imagining that you can't be such agood mom AND make great homemade baby food, too. I've heard the same type of comments from "friends" and even family members. Life is too short to spend it w/ people who try to shake your confidence in order to bolster theirs! And don't try to "dumb down" your skills for them...it'll only make it worse!
2007-03-28 07:15:04 · answer #1 · answered by mamasonny 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I wonder if they are a little insecure in their knowledge of how to handle their own baby? Try giving them some compliments on how well they are raising their baby. Be sincere - do it when you see them doing something you think is really good for their baby. That might make them a bit less ready to jump in and tell you all they know about raising yours. Set an example of how adults should treat each other, and hope they follow along!
2007-03-28 06:54:59 · answer #2 · answered by WildOtter 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depending on how often you see them, I'd probably just play along and let them feel like they're being helpful--who knows, maybe someday they will say something helpful.
Being sarcastic probably won't help anyone and you might alienate some good friends.
2007-03-28 06:42:18 · answer #3 · answered by Heather Y 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋