Anyone with children knows that other people often think they know better—and are happy to offer unsolicited, well-meant advice. In this article, Fanny and Julia reveal the nine phrases that make them roll their eyes.

"Oh yes, there they are: those comments we parents simply can't stand hearing anymore. It can feel like we can't do anything right. But where do these phrases actually come from? Do we have to deal with the consequences of things others would have liked to do differently themselves? Are they rooted in other people's insecurities? And why do people with and without children comment on our decisions—decisions we have made very consciously? No one tells us how to do our job better, right? We could go on forever, because in the first year with a baby, we parents can ourselves"
really end up hearing quite a lot. But first, here are our top 9:

1. „Oh, now the pacifier after all?”

Alternatively: the carrier, the family bed, or the bottle.

2. "Are you still awake?"

There are few topics that attract as many opinions. Whether it's too short, too long, not at all, or even in public—as a mom, you can't please everyone anyway. That's why our top-3 statement is also:

3. "Are you not still?"

Breastfeeding is best for the baby—or so the supposed consensus goes. What many people forget is that only mother and child decide what their breastfeeding relationship looks like, and there are often factors involved that can't always be influenced.

4. "Are you working again?"

Often paired with the question, „And where is your child?" Balancing family and work isn't always easy. And then a comment like that? Nobody really needs it.

5. "What, you're not working anymore?"

Once again, it's a topic where it doesn't really matter what you do, because you'll probably hear one comment or another anyway. So remind yourself that the decision must suit you and your family—and no one else.

6. "I believe your child is hungry."

That comment can only come from a true baby whisperer.

7. „Your child is already going to kindergarten? That's quite early!”

This sentence can feel like a punch in the stomach. But: You know your child is well cared for, and you look forward to seeing each other even more after kindergarten. You simply brush off the comment.

8. „Your child is not going to kindergarten yet?”

If you miss the magical moment, the "already" is simply replaced with a "not yet". ;)

9. "Is she/he not running at all yet?"

Of course, every parent's own child is a genius in their eyes. But comparisons like "My child took their first steps much earlier" can be incredibly annoying. After all, every child develops at their own pace. Tips on how to handle comments like these with ease can be found in the article "".

On good days, most moms and dads probably respond to these and similar remarks with nothing more than a tired smile. On other days, though, they can feel annoyed or unsettled. Even if not every comment is meant maliciously, most are simply unnecessary. Because: All parents want the best for their child and make the decisions that are right for them—and what that looks like can vary from family to family. Our advice, therefore, is: Be confident, and do exactly what feels right for you and your child!