How do you feel about unsolicited advice about raising your children?

Especially as a single dad of a girl, every time I spoke to my mother or sister, I either got advice or criticism on my daughter. At the time she was between 2 and 7 years old. It was irritating in the beginning but become overwhelming. I had to let them know that it had to stop. They wouldn't then I began avoiding talking to them until I never talk to them at all.


Don't you feel that they could have just stopped?


Has this ever happened to you?How do you feel about unsolicited advice about raising your children?
I LOVE unsolicited advice. I'm not sure which one I appreciated more - when I was pregnant or now with our toddler (*rolls eyes*).





I have - literally - stopped talking to some people (including family members) when they continued to cut us down as parents even when we TOLD (not asked, told) them to stop.





Some people are just idiots and cannot see how this situation looks from your point of view. They're insensitive and will not change. The best thing you can do is surround yourself with positive, supportive people and give the meanies the boot. This, unfortunately, can mean your daughter has very, very limited contact with certain members of her family, but such is life.How do you feel about unsolicited advice about raising your children?
It doesn't bother me much anymore, because I'm used to being criticized about everything! The main criticism is that my kids are not independent, because I spend too much time with them, take them everywhere, go to their games...etc, etc.





Please don't let it bother you. These people don't have a clue, and they definitely don't walk in your shoes.





Some of the things I have done:





Resist taking revenge. For example, I see many mistakes that my mother made, (she really is a hypocrite), but I try to remain silent.





Go silent, then change the subject. For some reason, this works...and sometimes, I just say, ';you're absolutely right'; and then change the subject...which makes people mad.





Realize that they have no control over your life. You don't have to do what they say.





I guess that my last point really helps me out.
That was part of the reason my wife and I moved to Reno. Every time I picked up the phone, some relative was on the other end bugging about something. @ 500 miles make a wonderfully peaceful distance to keep your relatives at.
I think for some, they just can't help it. If you are around this board at all you will see that a lot of parents believe it's my way or your wrong.
I think your going to find this about any where you go with people especially with female family members.I think one thing you need to bare in mind that your mom has raised you and she has been though raising a child into an adult.If you don't agree with the advice,you let it go in one ear and out the other.I think she has good intentions along with your sister and has only your best interest at heart.By cutting her and your sister out of your life,you not only are hurting your little girl but in in the long run you are hurting yourself.Doesn't your little girl deserve a grandma and an aunt in her life? Are you thinking about that? It's always nice to have someone to let your child stay with if you have something to do and want to entrust the care of your daughter with someone that is reliable and trust worthy in case you have something to do or some where to go.You will find in the long run that your mom is truly your best friend,take it from someone that has lost hers.A grandparent is a an asset to a child's life.I think every child should have the chance of experiencing this.There is always school functions that come up where the grandparent is involved.Your little girl will feel left out when it comes to this.If I were in your shoes,I would get on talking terms with your family.You may not agree with advice that your given,just because you are given it doesn't mean you have to take it.Life is short and very precious.By cutting yourself and your little girl out of your family life in my opinion isn't right.Every grandparent wants the joy of experiencing their grandchild.My son is now 21 years old and I my dad is gone too.I wouldn't of taken him away from them for nothing.If I were you I would think about some of the things that I have mentioned and take them into consideration.Just my thoughts.