One of my clients lamented recently, "Dr. Shosh, the moms in my new moms' group are so competitive! Everyone tries to out do everyone else!" I told her that as far back as I can remember, this dynamic has been occurring. The truth is, usually it's the least confident of parents who try the hardest to convince others they know the "right" way or they have the "best" item. Keep that in mind if you're around competitive new parents. Contrary to how they sound, typically what they are craving is validation and reassurance. So, if a new parent says something like, "The best way to wrap your baby is like this," instead of launching into the way you do it or becoming defensive, try saying, "That's a really good idea!" Without agreeing with the parent, and without putting your way down, you have given him/her the validation that was being silently requested.

Dr. Shosh
www.DrShosh.com