When you only had to worry about yourself and perhaps a significant other in your home life, confidence was a very personal matter, relying only on how you felt about how you were doing in your life. With the birth of child, this changes as another life becomes entirely dependent on you. Parenting provides tremendous highs and lows, with your self-confidence constantly in flux as you reflect on how successful you might be at helping your child reach her potential.

Suddenly becoming a parent can feel lonely, especially if you’re staying home from work to care for the child. Building a support structure is vital to a positive parenting experience. When family and friends lend their support, you will feel less overwhelmed and be able to get any concerns off your chest before they start to burden you. Take a break and get a baby-sitter once in a while, as you’ll feel more confident when you feel refreshed.

Advice for parents is everywhere, from books to websites to your own family. Perhaps your community or hospital even holds classes for expectant parents. Becoming informed about the possibilities and your choices is essential to gaining confidence. This is another place where a good support structure can come in handy.

However, once you feel confident in your decisions about child-rearing, it’s important to maintain this confidence in the face of the conflicting advice you’re sure to receive. It may be hard to tell your mother to mind her own business, but ultimately, you’re the one in charge of your children. It might be in your best interest to simply listen to all of the advice you’re given without arguing and then do what you were going to do in the first place. Starting an argument will only leave everyone feeling low. Now if the advice becomes too intrusive, then you will need to have a talk with the offending party. Feeling like you’re constantly on edge and need to defend yourself won’t help your overall confidence.

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