This parenting gig can be so hard sometimes. From learning about your child to sifting through the advice you are given it can be pretty draining. Then there are times when you receive unwanted advice that can be hurtful. Or maybe you hear through the grapevine that people have a negative opinion on your child or your parenting. Either way the judgment comes it is hurtful.

I will be the first to admit that I have passed some judgment on other parents that I shouldn't have. No one is perfect me included. After being judged about my own child I have definitely learned to take a step back and really think about what I say. Words hurt and you can't take them back. Words hurt even more when it comes to your child. It's a sting that is hard to forget. We as parents already do enough second-guessing about our decisions and have enough guilt without getting it from others too. Now before I say anything to another parent I make sure it is something that I wouldn't get offended by.

The thing is we don't know what is really going on with a child or parent when we judge them. There are always two sides to every story and sometimes people are not comfortable sharing with everyone. When you see a child that is behind or has a delay don't just assume that the parents are not helping the child. Just because someone does not tell you what they are doing does not mean they aren't doing something. When you see the mom at the playground pull out non-organic crackers for their child don't judge. Maybe she can't afford organic or her children will only eat a certain brand. When you see the mom at the store that is always by herself struggling to get her kids to behave while all of her groceries are falling out of her cart; help her instead of judging her.

We as parents should be lifting each other up instead of passing around judgment. When you see someone struggling don't kick them help them. Because some day you may be in their shoes and it would be wonderful to get some encouraging words or a little help back. Even a smile can help. We also have to remember that we need to set a good example for our children. If they see us gossiping or treating others badly they will do the same. Let's start helping each other instead of hurting each other. Try to take a step back and really think about what you are going to say. If you truly have helpful and kind advice it will be much more well received then negative commentary. Stop the judging; it's not worth it.