Who do you rely on?

[NewMummyGeorgina]

I want someone to talk to who can be honest and open with me when it comes to parenting advice. Obviously all the parents on here are very helpfull but who do you guys go to when mumsnet doesnt have the answers you need?

My Mum! If I'm in two minds about what to do I ask her. If I like her answer, I go that way. If I don't like her answer, I go the other way. My other source of advice is my dog-training friend. There are more similarities between kids and puppies than you might think :)

I bet there are many similarities aswell!! I wish i could have your mum then, mine is a bit out of touch with things these days (sorry mum). Is there any clubs/groups that you know of at all?

No one. My mum's really out of touch, I do ask her advice but am only told 'I don't know'. My old neighbour used to try be quite helpful, but she has some odd ways of thinking. I tend to ask on here. If someone says something sensible, then I'll go with that.

My sister. My mum died last year after many years of dementia so she was never abler to give me any advice . I also spent a lot of time in the library when the DCs were tiny, lots of parenting books of all persuasions How old are your DCs? If you are in the UK does your local authority run any parenting courses? I went on a really good one based on The Incredible Years parenting book.

My mum's out of touch with a lot of modern stuff but babies are babies and my brother and I seemed to have turned out OK.

My cousins, sort of. At least I respect their views even if I don't always agree. They have older DC & know my parents well so understand my background, too.

Seems like families are everyones safest bet. :)

My best friends, who hold same/similar values as me.

HV for signposting other advice.

What sort of help do you need, can we help at all? Promise we don't bite!

I don't rely on my family for advice. I tend to just do what I think myself, but if I wanted to get a second opinion I ask my friends that have dc similar ages or one of my friends that works in children's centre.
I do find on here quite good for advice though, even if you don't ask yourself I tend to see other people posting similar issues to what I might have with mine so I just read and apply the advice to myself

My big sister generally. My HV and the woman who runs the baby group I go to are also really knowledgable.

I don't have a mum or sisters or aunties, so really I just ask around at toddlers or preschool or just with friends. Mostly I just go on my own intuition though.

Also, I like parenting books! Penelope Leach is good. What to expect when expecting, the toddler years is good.