Transcript
0:00 If you got these unwanted parenting comments from family over Thanksgiving, here's what I want you to know. One, you need to be more consistent if they're going to listen to you. Nobody's consistent 100% of the time. That's not possible. Real consistency is 80% at best. Two, do your boys ever sit and just talk quietly? Kids aren't supposed to be small adults. Lots of kids don't connect by talking quietly. They connect by moving around together. Three, I don't know why I made all this food. If your kid doesn't even like any of it, look, a kid rejecting food doesn't mean they're rejecting you. Four, no one wants to hang out with grandma, even though I traveled 1,000 miles to be here. Kids can love grandma and not want one-on-one adult time all day. Five, your kid is so antisocial, they won't answer any questions about school. A lot of kids don't want to talk about school because it's stressful, but there are a lot of other topics they might want to talk about. If you left Thanksgiving feeling judged, here's your reminder.
1:06 You're the expert on your kid, and parenting in public is hard. I see you.
Summary
- Consistency in parenting is important, but perfection is unrealistic; aim for about 80% consistency.
- Children often connect through movement and play rather than quiet conversation; they aren't small adults.
- A child's food preferences are not a reflection of parental failure; rejection of food is not personal.
- Kids may not want to spend one-on-one time with grandparents, even if they love them; this is normal.
- Many children find school discussions stressful, leading to reluctance in sharing; they may prefer other topics.
- Feeling judged at family gatherings is common, but trust your instincts as a parent; you know your child best.