With countless parenting guides, styles, and techniques out there, finding the “right” way to parent can be a minefield.
When it comes to parenting, many experts have strong views on the “right” way to do things, and the unattainable “perfect parent” status can be incredibly difficult to achieve – and This is where Emily Oster’s latest ‘Second Best’ concept of parenting comes in.
Related: What are the four major parenting styles?
Photo: Getty Images
Drawing on her roots as an economist, Emily applied the principles of “first best” and “second best” to parenting.
In an interview with HuffPost, she explained: “When we give parenting advice, we tend to be absolutist. There’s a best option, and then we need everything else.”
Photo: Shutterstock
Furthermore, she added: “The concept of ‘second best’ means recognizing that some options are better than others within a category of ‘other options.'” is the best achievable option. ”
They cited a whole apple and a glass of water as an example of a “best snack” and asked the question, “What if your child doesn’t eat it?”
Photo: Getty Images
“You would think if you’re going to eat applesauce, you could also be eating a bunch of cookies, but they’re actually not the same,” Emily explained.
The pressure to do everything in the “best” way can be very stressful for parents, making them not only “feel bad about their parenting,” but also “the wisest of the rest.” It can also interfere with your choices.
Photo: Shutterstock
Emily explained that no parent is “emboldened by shame” and that being told that a parent “isn’t doing their best” can be incredibly demoralizing. .
Photo: Shutterstock
Parents.com lists some more examples of “second-best” parenting, including the need to give juice if the child refuses water or parents order takeout so they can take a break from cooking once in a while. Suggested when there might be.
There’s always a lot of pressure on parents, but this relatively new concept can help remind them not to be too hard on themselves. You understand this!
Share your thoughts on this and other stories in our discussion board.
