As a parent, making decisions for your child is the best thing for them. But most of you do feel slightly scrutinised when you influence your child, a new survey has revealed.
Parenting on Female First
Nurofen for Children conducted the survey and found that 68% of parents feel judged on the decisions they make for their child.
Parents fear being criticised over their child’s diet and nutrition the most, with 50% admitting to this. 43% of parents feel like they are being judged on their parenting style with a further 33% on their child’s behaviour.
Mums do know best when it comes to seeking advice, with 39% of those surveyed, revealing that they proactively ask them for advice on their children’s health. A further 34% visit their GP for help with many confiding in friends with 19% of parents choosing this option.
25% of parents would appreciate more proactive support and advice on children’s health from their partner with, whilst 21% would like more advice from healthcare professionals (pharmacists and GPs).
However, mum and dad believe that they don’t always have the answers, with 18% of parents admitting to the decisions they made for their child were not right first time round, with parents aged 45-55 most readily admitting their mistakes. Parents aged 18-24 feel most confident with their decisions as 25% said they definitely made the correct choices for their child without previous experience.
Top ten parenting worries:
- The health of my child- 47.75%
- The safety of my child- 47.70%
- That my child will fall in with the 'wrong crowd'- 35.80%
- My child’s education- 34%
- That my child will be bullied- 33%
- That my child won't always confide in me- 18%
- That my child won't make friends- 16.5%
- That my child will forget their manners when they are away from me- 16.5%
- That my child may not grow up in a happy family environment- 13.10%
- That one day my child won't want to be hugged- 13%
Dr Pixie McKenna, GP and mum of one comments on the findings: “Being a parent can be one of the hardest but most rewarding of jobs and one that causes plenty of second-guessing. Whilst these results show that many parents feel judged on their parenting choices by others - there are also positive signs that parents are looking to each other, whether family and friends in person, or online support groups - for advice and support. Even as a GP, I still turn to my family and friends for their top-tips when it comes to making choices for my child.”
A spokesperson for Nurofen for Children comments: “There are plenty of instances where as a parent you question the choices you are making for your child – particularly when it comes to health issues. We want to encourage parents to talk to each other for support and advice and be confident in turning to their GP or pharmacist for further advice when needed. Crucially we want parents to feel that they are making advised decisions that are best for them and their child.”