Hi there,

I couldn't agree more about trusting yourself and listening to what your heart says . . I love all the advice etc that I was offered frist time around but I only took onboard what I felt was relevant to me and I quickly learnt to trust my instincts and my own judgement.

cheers Kellz

Glean from other people's experience and knowledge but yes at the end of the day TRUST YOUR INSTNCTS.

I've always believed in at least listening to the advice other people give, even if I don't use it, then filing it away for later.  I never completely dismiss advice because I know that there is always going to be the possibility that I may need it in the future.

this is quite generalised but i can see your point, advice comes from so many places and people that new parents in particular often feel overwelmed by it. a positive attutide from the parent to the majority of advice and the people offering it, i have found, is the best way to sift through it all and find useful info rather than just to get annoyed and throw it all away simply because it is someone elses. it is after all the main avenue by which parents learn. unless we can get a handbook.... hmmm maybe on ebay LOL! ::)'s

It is true that everyone needs to work out a parenting formula that suits their own personal style, and is conducive to the outcomes they wish to have for their child and the rest of their family.  The best way to develop and suitable strategies is to learn from as many different people as possible; professional and otherwise.  As your family grows and changes, it is important to revisit and redevelop your parenting methods that meets those needs; flexibility and an open mind make parenting very rewarding.