The Pseudo-Expert
Recently, a friend [fed up of all the Facebook Shares that I do of my posts on Parentous, I am sure], raised his concerns about my ‘expert advices’. I will soon complete one year with Parentous, in December; and therefore, I take this opportunity to clarify that I have always been a contributor, never an expert.
If only, I had everything worked out in my mind, parenthood would not have been as challenging and as revealing as it actually is. He said, ‘for all the advices you dole out, who knows how your own son is going to turn out in future’. And he isn’t wrong. Frankly, I welcome [if not encourage] such comments because they help me take a step back from my situation and try to look at it objectively.
So, what am I doing here?
I voice concerns. From gender stereotyping to questioning the wisdom of teaching an eye for an eye, from discussing the need of the hour to the impact of violence and swear words on young minds; there are enough issues to be concerned about as a parent.
I make confessions. I have confessed about judging other mommies and daddies not too long ago; and once I have also been politically incorrect in admitting that I always wanted to raise a son rather than a daughter.
I share experiences. I remember a time when I wrote about things I learnt after having a baby or the letter I wrote to the new parents in my family. The thought behind those posts was to tell new parents in advance on what to expect after a baby comes along, from my own experience. But no expert advice, mind you!
I share love. I wrote a very public letter to my 2-year old on his 2nd birthday. Long time back, I also chronicled everyday moments with the centre of my universe [my son] and how I felt privileged in being part of those.
I share knowledge and acquired wisdom. I cannot not write about books. So, I wrote about books on pregnancy and parenting, raising boys and peaceful parenting, which I personally found informative and useful.
I offer my observations. Are children growing up too fast or are we sharing too much information online – those were posts in which I just offered observations about current social trend.
I share my stories. There was a time when I shared why I decided to quit my job, notes to my mommy-self and how I never find myself too far from the Bad Mother Syndrome.
I discuss my predicaments as well as my challenges. “How should I approach the subjects of nudity, money or obedience in children?” I have often found myself in a quandary on subjects like these.
I don’t think I have ever acted like an expert; simply because I don’t know a thing about Parenting. I just write about what feels important and imminent. I take inspiration from my own life, from my current situations.
If you have ever read me, I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart.
P.S. On a different note, I came across this article recently on the rising trend in parenting coaches.
Reema Sahay is a Stay-At-Home-Mom, Freelance Writer, Voracious Reader, Passionate Blogger, Social Media Enthusiast, Internet Junkie and Ex-Marketing Communication Professional. She spends her days running after her very curious toddler, ‘the star’, and catching up on books when he naps. She writes about charms and challenges of life at Pen Paper and shares her passion for books at Recommend Books. She sometimes feels that her 5.5 years stint in Marketing Communication was in another life
