The Question: Should parents accept advice about parenting from people who don’t have children?

My 2 Cents: Yes, parents should accept advice about parenting from people who don’t have children.

I’m not a parent, but I was a childcare provider for two girls for three years, and I learned much from their mother about parenting from observing her and asking her questions. The information I learned from her could benefit someone with children.

I try not to offer any advice without first asking if it’s OK to speak on this or that subject as it pertains to that person’s child(ren). If they are open to hear what I have to say I usually begin by saying, “Although I don’t have children of my own…” It lets the parent know I’m aware of my limitation as an outsider looking in. I usually relate ideas and techniques that other parents have told me about or that I’ve observed.

One thing I try never to do is contradict a parent in front of his/her child(ren). That would be totally inexcusable, whether I was a parent just like him/her.

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Take a few moments to check out the tweets from Twitter on this subject:

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PROTECTED TWEETER technically i wish some1 would try 2 parent me about my parenting skills & they don’t have any childrens 2 give advise…[BLEEP] NO.

ClassyDreamer  yes, having a child doesn’t mean you’re a good parent…just like not having one doesn’t mean you’d make a bad parent

sugahjones  Yep, Common sense isn’t attached to the womb! Also, the person could give a view point that had not been considered.

PROTECTED TWEETER  Personally I find it offensive when my childless friends try to tell me how to disclipine my child…That’s not to say some ppl w/o kids can’t give good advice though!

IAMSY  Nope!

mechellebrown01  NO!

SouthJerseyBro  I’m open-minded, so I’ll listen to folks who have a different perspective, especially if they are older people.

sunshine625  Yes as long the non-parents have common sense and mean well.

NightShade10  Of course! The ability to procreate does not define being a good parent or not. One has to consider intent, and intellect first

tray21   it does not hurt to listen to other people(an open mind). make your own judgement based on your situation.

jigsawverbiage  It’s cool 2 hear from an adult who may have had the same experience as your child & can give U that POV. Otherwise, nope.

sistagp  yes, 2 remind what we used to say

xsashagirl  Good advice is good despite the source or the source’s experience.

TankaBar_JasonD  I think if it is the right advice like if it were an abusive relationship I think it is right to take the advice from someone.

RegalRB  We were all kids once…so I think that can help you relate even if you don’t have any kids…also if parents feel like that STOP asking people without kids…hahaha

MissMeandI  LOL Everyone was a kid b4…some advice helps…just weigh it against the situation

PROTECTED TWEETER ..I think they should..

acmeek  Sometimes……they were once a child themselves. They may know what worked for them…Sometimes……My other thought is maybe they have an active role in other ppls children. Good insight.

jreneker  That’s funny! Hmm… not usually.

walkerdl  Sometimes, but not often or regularly

tclarkusa  Sure, why not. Ppl w/out kids may offer advice they’ve heard or something their fam may have used on them or kids in their fam

atane  Nope. It’s like taking financial advice from a homeless person, or sex tips from a virgin.

PROTECTED TWEETER  nope! You don’t know what it’s like until you’ve done it yourself!

md20737  They should at least listen.

BLKMGK  I DON’T!

mayqueen79  Always accept advice-can’t hurt. But, they shouldn’t follow that advice unless they know that it will improve their own…

PROTECTED TWEETER  yes! when the only expierience of raising kids was my god daughter, i used to take better care of her than parents! becoming a…parent doesnt mean you know what your doing. & every child is different. my ears are always open for advice but id study…my child so i know wat works & wat doesnt.

treschic67  I would NEVER accept parenting advice from someone without children.

Sharmaine35  YES BECAUSE SOMETIMES URE KIDS COME & TALK 2 US & WE CAN GIVE U ADVICE ABOUT URE KIDS WITO TELL N EVTHG WITO BRKNG THEIR CONFID

rishaholmes  NO!!!!!

Newilli  i have kids & don’t mind, tho … listening & implementing r 2 entirely diff things! jus cuz i let u speak doesn’t mean i value ur speech

rMiLaNa  maybe,from self experience as a child

LadyJay91  well experience counts and non parental ppl can’t give good advice so the answer is NOPE!!

Hadji4ever  I believe that parenting is based more on trial & error…Therefore, I would only accept advice from someone with experience.

Pettra88  No!! Never! Like learning how to swim from someone scared of jumping in the water. Lol lol lol

Write_Of_Fusion  It wouldn’t hurt to listen. Sometimes the best advice is from someone who’s outside the box.

jluntzreport  yes because we were all children once, and our parents may have taught us something that can help

JoshDamage  no they shouldn’t. If you don’t have kids yourself you cnt possibly give sound parental advice that fits certain situations.

Vernon_Joseph  YES, although they don’t have children. They may have observed good & bad parenting habits. They also had parent’s at 1 time

ishadowaddict  yes, because I’m always giving them. U. Can be childless to share your view

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The commentary doesn’t have to end!

Please feel free to continue to add your comments below.