How to graciously say NO to advice/comments?

Question

Hello ladies! I am a new mom, only 14 weeks and 5 days so of course I have a lot of questions and concerns. I love that there are resources where I can get some solid information.

HOWEVER, how do you ladies respond or deal with comments and advice that cross the "line" so to speak and that are genuinely annoying and judge mental? I want advice as much as any new mom, but these comments give me new mom stress to the core! Please help me think of ways to politely shut down the nosy people!

Answer

"I'll keep that in mind thanks" and a gracious smile. Makes them happy, while you have no intention of listening to it lol.

Answer

Take in everything with a grain of salt. I'm honest when people tell me stuff, like oh babies cry a lot. Well no shit Sherlock but I'm the oldest of 12 and the youngest of them will be 5 in June so I'm not baby stupid.

Or most recently is "you'll deviate from your ground rules" you might be right, but for the most part, no I won't. But thank you for assuming that I'm weak minded and can't keep my word for how I'm raising my child. Once again, I'm not baby stupid.

Then I just ignore it lol

Answer

Politely say thank you but you have your own parenting plan you will be putting into place. The only person you should worry about their opinion is your SO. Everyone else (especially family) can back off.

Answer

Just say thanks for your advice but I disagree or I don't think that's completely true. With my first I was completely upfront with ppl. If they didn't like my name I chose or something I'd kindly tell them well this is my child your opinions are appreciated but my opinion is more important. I'm the mom so I will learn through trial and error. Don't take it personally I'm not trying to be rude but the same way you learned through your trial and error I want to as well. My sis in law was the only one who would take offense but it came to the point I realized she thought she was the parent of my child and I just cut her off.

Answer

You don't have to say no. Just because someone tells you something doesn't mean you have to even consider it. I have a VERY intense mother in law (who loves me dearly and same for me) but she crosses the line ALL THE TIME. I usually just let it go in one ear and out he other. However- I did that with her advice on how I need "to prep my nipples for breastfeeding" and she went and bought this device for me (I'm only 18 weeks and I don't need to discuss my nipples with her) I told her to take it back. She also was pushing me to get on tamiflu when I had the flu which my dr told me no way. I finally had to tell her that she was crossing he line, my dr said this etc. everyone Loves new babies and want to "help" but you do what you do. You don't have to please anyone except your baby (I even went against my pediatrician advice on babys eating schedule because she was growing and fat (with rolls). )

How to graciously say NO to advice/comments?

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