Let's talk about something we all face: the overwhelming world of parenting advice. It's everywhere, right? From your best friend to that random mom on Instagram, everyone's got an opinion on how to raise your son. But here's the thing - you've got this, and I'm going to tell you why.

The Parenting Advice Overload

First off, let's be honest. Parenting advice is coming at us from all angles. I recently Googled the top 10 trending parenting strategies, and wow! We've got everything from "elephant parenting" (yes, that's a thing) to "free-range parenting." It's enough to make your head spin!

And it's not just the fancy-named strategies with workbooks and guides. It's our moms, sisters, friends, and even those Instagram moms with toddlers telling us how to raise our teenagers (hold on toddler moms). It's a lot, and it can leave us feeling lost, unsure, and searching for the "right" way.

The Problem with Too Much Advice

Here's the issue: when we spend too much time looking outward for answers, we forget to look inward. We try all these different strategies, and when they don't work, we think we're the problem. Spoiler alert: we're not!

Let me share a quick story. When my oldest started junior high, I took a "Parenting with Love and Logic" class. I learned this strategy where you tell your kids they're "draining" you when they misbehave. Sounds great, right? Well, I tried it, and my boys looked at me like I was an alien! I felt like a failure because it didn't work like in the textbook.  I figured the textbook couldn't be wrong so I must be the weak link.

The Salad Bar Approach to Parenting

But here's what I realized: parenting advice is like a salad bar. Stay with me here! When you go to a salad bar with a friend, you both have access to the same ingredients. You ordered the same thing on the menu but your plates end up looking completely different, right?  One is not right and the other wrong.  You each chose what works best for you and your unique taste buds.

Parenting is the same way. You can try and copy someone else's style exactly but you will always end up feeling frustrated and insecure.  What is more effective is to take bits and pieces that work with your individual strengths and implement them for your individual family.

Your Secret Weapon: "What Do I Know?"

So, what do we do when we're stuck? When our 14-year-old won't clean his room, and we're ready to tear our hair out? Here's your new secret weapon: ask yourself, "What do I know?"

It's such a simple question, but it's powerful. Instead of focusing on what you don't know or what you're doing wrong, you're tapping into your own motherly wisdom. You're getting curious about what's really going on with you and your son.

This question helps you connect with your son and get to the root of the problem. It helps you pick from that parenting advice salad bar and make it work for your family.

The Power of Connection

Remember, at the end of the day, what we really want is a strong, lasting connection with our sons. All the cleaning strategies and perfect execution in the world won't matter if we lose that connection.

So, the next time you're feeling lost in the parenting jungle, stop and ask yourself: "What do I know?" Trust me, you know more than you think. You've got this!

Your Next Step

Ready to tap into your Boy Mom superpowers? I've got just the thing for you. Grab my free Boy Mom Blueprint HERE! It's packed with 8 simple strategies you can use today to connect better with your son.

Better connection means better relationships, and that means happier moms and better sons.

Remember, you're the expert on your son. Trust yourself, use what works for your family, and keep that connection strong.