So, the baby talk thing - let's set that aside. I think because parents deal with so much BS and there are so many highs and lows of parenting that a little shout out is just fine. Your suggestion of saying a parent should be proud vs. praising them is a good one - but if people are taking a minute of their day to say something nice in relation to my kids and their behavior, I'm gonna take that in the W column.
YES, agreed. I love when other parents praise my kid. It's a win for sure. I just don't like the assumption that "good parents" are ones who have kids who adhere to societal expectations. If your kid is autistic and acts a certain way on the playground, do the other parents think badly of the parents? There is a small difference between saying, "You should be proud" and saying, "Good job raising them," but words matter.
Believe me, as a PR person, I know how much words matter. I guess it's just easy to over analyze what was meant as something positive. Either way, we agree that "you should be proud" is a better way to say it and it's a good reminder for me!
This is a great reflection. Def gives me pause. Agree with Mandy (below) that let's just ignore the baby talk thing... Agree that when anyone is trying to be nice, I'm there for it. But ultimately I agree that your ask to be more attentive to how we phrase praise to "You should be proud "-- makes good sense. Lord knows parenting is rough and we all (even parents) are not so great sometimes!!
So, the baby talk thing - let's set that aside. I think because parents deal with so much BS and there are so many highs and lows of parenting that a little shout out is just fine. Your suggestion of saying a parent should be proud vs. praising them is a good one - but if people are taking a minute of their day to say something nice in relation to my kids and their behavior, I'm gonna take that in the W column.
YES, agreed. I love when other parents praise my kid. It's a win for sure. I just don't like the assumption that "good parents" are ones who have kids who adhere to societal expectations. If your kid is autistic and acts a certain way on the playground, do the other parents think badly of the parents? There is a small difference between saying, "You should be proud" and saying, "Good job raising them," but words matter.
Believe me, as a PR person, I know how much words matter. I guess it's just easy to over analyze what was meant as something positive. Either way, we agree that "you should be proud" is a better way to say it and it's a good reminder for me!
This is a great reflection. Def gives me pause. Agree with Mandy (below) that let's just ignore the baby talk thing... Agree that when anyone is trying to be nice, I'm there for it. But ultimately I agree that your ask to be more attentive to how we phrase praise to "You should be proud "-- makes good sense. Lord knows parenting is rough and we all (even parents) are not so great sometimes!!
Thanks Liz! I always appreciate your insight!
Hi Elizabeth, I live off exit 137 and the bucks are taking over the industrial lots next to the train tracks! It’s wild!
It's crazy!