These days, it seems like we are so quick to get parenting advice from just about everyone but ourselves. From putting our kids down at bedtime to getting them on the potty, we’re always looking for another opinion. The parenting book industry is booming today — not to mention the hundreds of mom blogs out there. We simply can’t get enough parenting advice.

Then there are all the different philosophies and styles that give us a handbook on how to raise our kids — positive parenting, RIE parenting, and bringing up bébé/French parenting to name just a few. These never-ending methods can make your already tired self even more exhausted.

But what about intuitive parenting? You know, the parenting style that comes from well, our own gut. Sure, it’s great to check in with other moms about their experiences and research the “facts.” But what if we become so dependent on what others say and do, that our own instincts become overlooked?

Mom Emily Farmer Popek says, “I have anxiety so I struggle mightily with the whole concept of ‘instinct’ or ‘trusting my gut.’ I’m so much more comfortable with data and research, or anything where I can understand WHY it is the way it is.”

I get it. Only recently have I been able to understand that our instincts, which create that gut feeling, is where all the answers about parenting should come from. For example, when I decided to take my boy’s diapers off, put him superhero underwear and send him to school without much potty training, I knew it was a crazy idea but it was the way to go. And I was right— in just a few days, he was putting himself on the potty like a natural.

(Of course, I still get many things “wrong” too, like when I started allowing my kid to eat dinner while watching TV).

Mom Michelle Levy says, “My parenting intuition started with choosing midwifery over obstetric care and having a home birth. To be honest, many of our choices go against the mainstream, and that’s not easy. But my own inner voice speaks more loudly to me than the noise of popular opinion.”

According to Deb Snyder, author of “Intuitive Parenting,” “Simply put, we are programmed from a young age to trust authority over ourselves. Our own parents, teachers and institutions can be valuable sources of general information, yet don’t often speak to our hearts and individual situations. Intuition is your own inner wisdom. The natural radar system the Universe has gifted you with to handle all aspects of your life.”

Snyder adds, “In my experience, my intuition has enabled me to go beyond cookie-cutter answers and a one-size-fits-all mentality. We are all unique. Our families are unique. We can appreciate the wisdom of others and use the filter of our intuition to get further clarity. Take the advice of others and make it your own. When we employ information from our subtle energy systems we are going beyond the projections and expectations of others to a place with limitless possibilities. We can feel it in our body if advice resonates and if it doesn’t.”

That all sounds wonderful but most of us aren’t trained to hear or feel our own intuition. Laura Day, author of “Practical Intuition” says, “In today’s technology-infused, multi-tasking, busy world, often neither parent nor child has their attention on what is going on in the immediate environment.”

So how do we become present and tune into our own intuition? It can sometimes be hard when we’re constantly considering other peoples’ advice (and our busy, crazy heads), but here are a few tips from the experts that can help:

Levy says that meditation, yoga and self-care are essential to maintaining this clear connection with your intuition. Snyder recommends that parents start by centering themselves. “Calm down and get clear. Then close your eyes, pose questions to the Universe and feel the reply. It’s that simple. You will be surprised at what you can hear by listening with your heart.”Day adds, “I see parents overthinking their behavior in a way that kills intuition. If your child just ate and you have an urge to feed, offer a snack. If a child is acting out in a situation and your gut isn’t telling you to discipline, ask yourself why and unless you must go against your gut, listen to yourself.”Click Here: new zealand rugby team jerseys