I’ve partnered with Baby Dove to write a series of posts about how each parent can and should trust their own way when it comes to parenting their little ones.  I’ve decided to name this four part series ‘The Guide to Modern Parenting’ as we all need a little help in this modern day and age. While I don’t profess to be a ‘parenting expert’, I have learnt a thing or two along the way and would like to highlight some great advice that stood out for me among all the noise and let you know how I’m trying to incorporate these parenting nuggets that I’ve seen work well for others into my life.

So I know this might be a little hypocritical for me to say because you (yes, you) are currently reading this blog post, but my first suggestion is that you take all advice from any parenting-related blog post, book or magazine article that you read with a big old pinch of pink Himalayan salt because you know your kid best and what works for one kid, doesn’t necessarily mean it will work for your kid. Parenting isn’t black and white and there are rarely clear cut right or wrong ways to get something done. I say nappy, you say diaper. Same same, they both do the job.

I am always open to learning from those who have forged the way ahead of me but I have also learnt how to nod and smile when I receive well-meaning advice that I know from the get-go will never fly in our home. I read a lot and consume a lot of information about parenting and adoption but I listen to this advice through my own lens and sift out what is relevant for our family context. There’s a lot to be said for learning from others, but at the heart of it you need to be able to trust your gut and parent your way with confidence. That being said, if your way doesn’t seem to be working for you then maybe you need some outside perspective from a trusted mom friend or professional and that’s ok too.

In my circle of mom friends, there are moms that I admire who parent their kids really well. I love hanging out with these moms because I love learning from them. I’ve heard it said that you become the sum of the five people you spend the most time with and although I spend most of my time with three kids under the age of seven, I’d like to elevate my standards and become the sum of the five moms that I admire the most. I suggest you do the same!

The bottom line is that you should allow yourself to be influenced by mom friends who can be real with you and only take on advice that works for you. If what you’re reading makes you feel judged or less than, then close that book or minimise that tab – you don’t need that kind of negativity in your life. If social media is making you feel like a fail then unfollow those accounts and mute thosestories. It’s that simple – don’t let comparison steal your joy, just trust your gut and continue on your way.

*This post is sponsored by Baby Dove as part of their Trust Your Way campaign.