Why It's Totally OK If Your Kids Turn to Others for Advice — And How It Can Actually Help Your Family
Have you ever felt a pang of jealousy or even insecurity when your child turns to someone else for advice? Maybe it’s your mom, your sister, or another close relative. If this sounds familiar, you're certainly not alone — and there’s a silver lining you might not have considered.
Recently, a compelling article caught our attention on Business Insider titled “Moving in with my mom and older sister showed me it’s OK if my kids go to someone else for advice”. The author shares an experience that resonates deeply with many families: living under the same roof with extended family members shifted the way her kids sought guidance — sometimes choosing grandma or aunt over mom for questions big and small. Initially, it felt strange, but the reality was uplifting — the kids were just talking to someone they trusted, gaining multiple perspectives and emotional support.
The Emotional Landscape of Family Advice-Seeking
Parenting is a full-time job, and it often feels like you have to be the expert on everything your child needs. But children are naturally curious and seek diverse viewpoints to understand the world around them better. When they ask a grandparent or an aunt for advice, it isn’t a sign of rejection or failure — it’s a sign of a healthy support network growing around them.
This dynamic offers several powerful benefits:
- Broader Emotional Support: Different family members bring unique experiences and wisdom, enriching your child’s emotional toolkit.
- Reduced Pressure on Parents: Knowing your child has trusted adults beyond you can ease the overwhelming pressure to always have the right answer.
- Strengthened Family Bonds: Sharing caregiving and mentoring roles can reinforce family ties, making everyone feel valued and involved.
Why This Matters for Fertility and Growing Families
If you’re navigating the complex and often emotional journey of building your family through at-home insemination or other fertility methods, these insights become even more meaningful. Fertility journeys can feel isolating, and having a strong, trustworthy support system makes all the difference.
That’s why companies like MakeAMom are more than just providers of at-home insemination kits—they’re part of a broader ecosystem dedicated to empowering you to take control of your family-building process, in the comfort and privacy of your home.
Their reusable, cost-effective kits (CryoBaby, Impregnator, and BabyMaker) cater to different fertility needs and sensitivities, allowing you to customize your approach. And having a supportive network around you complements this empowerment by offering emotional encouragement and wisdom from those who care.
How to Embrace and Foster This Broader Family Support
So, how can you turn these moments when your kids seek advice from others into opportunities for family growth? Here are some practical tips:
- Celebrate the Village: Recognize that “it takes a village” is more than a saying—it’s a blueprint for resilience. Encourage your kids to ask questions freely.
- Stay Curious, Not Defensive: Instead of feeling threatened when your child chooses someone else for advice, ask them what they value about that person’s perspective.
- Be Open About Your Own Limits: Showing that you don’t have all the answers can model humility and encourage your child to seek multiple viewpoints.
- Facilitate Connection: Create moments for your child to bond with extended family, strengthening those trusted relationships.
Why This Approach Is Especially Relevant Today
In 2025, families are more interconnected yet often spread across various households and locations. Multigenerational living is on the rise, and so is the use of technology and home-based solutions for fertility and parenting challenges.
Balancing modern fertility methods with timeless family wisdom creates a uniquely supportive environment. Whether you’re just starting out or deep into your fertility journey, knowing that it’s okay for your children to seek advice beyond you can ease emotional strain and build lasting resilience.
Final Thoughts
Here’s the takeaway: Your children asking for advice from others is not a reflection of your shortcomings but a testament to the strength of your family network. Embracing this shift can create a richer, more supportive environment for everyone involved.
If you’re exploring options like at-home insemination kits, remember that tools like those offered by MakeAMom empower you to take control of your path while surrounded by a community—family, friends, and companies alike—ready to support you every step of the way.
So, what do you think? Have you noticed your kids turning to others for guidance? How has it affected your family dynamic? Share your thoughts below — we’re all learning together on this incredible journey.