Family Talk: Unwanted Parenting Advice?

One of the happiest times of my life was when my son was born. Given, I was a new, young mother, but I knew just the kind of parent I wanted to be.

Being close to my mother, but seemingly always debating the fundamentals of parental care, I have to say that my joy soon turned to frustration as her "help" became overbearing and, ultimately, unwanted.

From bathing and feeding to dressing and playing, there probably wasn't anything my mother didn't have an opinion on, and more often than not, it was opposite mine.

My father, on the other hand, was just as involved, but let me be the mother I naturally was. He respected my decisions and never tried to tell me what to do, or how to do it.

Now, as my son got older, and my mother was able to see me in my role as "mother," things became a little easier. Then, my daughter was born. By this time, however, I knew how to pick my battles, and so did my mother.

My son is now almost 9, while my daughter is 5, and I am truly greatful for all of the help I get with my kids, whether it includes unsolicited advice or not.

Thinking back on all of the silly arguments and power struggles with my mother over my own kids, I wonder if the frustration was really warranted. I mean, she did only have the same goal as me, to make sure that my kids have the best care possible.

Should we, when we become new parents, be as receptive as possible when it comes to our parents' advice, even if we don't necessarily want it?