It can be easy to forget who the real experts on children are: Their parents.

          It seems that all too often these days I hear from exasperated, frustrated, unsure parents questioning how they do something, why they are doing something or whether what they are doing is the right thing for their child. As a parent, I find myself pulled into this trap more often than I care to admit. There is no shortage of available resources to tell you what you need to know about your child’s behavior, growth and development. There seems to be a book or website with a so-called “expert” claiming to have the answer to whatever challenge you might be having with your child. While these resources are necessary and valuable in many ways, it makes it all that much harder to remember who the real experts on children really are: Their parents.

          We turn to these resources when we have questions or when we need advice, help or guidance with our children. However, this immediate access to and reliance on these resources can be overwhelming and makes it harder for people to remember to trust their own instincts. The first step to better understanding your child is not to read a book, it is to turn inward and trust yourself, your intuition and your innate knowledge of your child. Uphold and adhere to the belief that you are truly the expert on your child. When parents are tuned in and aware of themselves and their child, understanding and knowledge will follow. Remember that you have everything you need to parent your child in the best way possible.