It's true that parenting doesn't come with a manual but for some parents in the internet age, Google is there to search for advice in raising children. But is it really helpful or harmful? Are parents becoming more effective with Google's help or are they losing the ability to use their instincts in learning what works best? The experts weigh in on the matter.
Google has the answer for anything under the sun and it's not uncommon for parents to turn to this for advice on dealing with their children. From simple sniffles, to tantrum solutions, to choosing the best school, it seems googling for answers assures parents they are going about things the right way.
Child psychiatrist Dawn Baker admits that she has used Google to search for answers to a parenting dilemma during a sleep-deprived moment of exhaustion. "I knew that I should have known what to do because of my profession, but also because surely all humans are naturally equipped to be parents," Baker wrote via Quartz.
But being a new parent, Baker found that support groups on the internet made parenting a lot easier to navigate. However, she still believes that parents should "trust their instincts, do what feels right, and enjoy learning about the world through their child's eyes."
For another expert, pediatrician Dr. Lindsay Uzunlar, Google is not always helpful because there's always that tendency to get lost in the rabbit hole. "You want to Google because you want to diagnose what your child has or you want to reassure yourself about something," the doctor said, per Chicago Tribune. However, doing so might only bring up more questions, or worse, anxieties, as parents Google for more information.
A previous study has revealed that majority of parents, particularly mothers, turn to Google or online parenting groups for advice because these avenues are quite accessible, Made for Mums reports. Dr. Richard Woofson believes it is good that parents have this option today.
The psychologist, however, also stressed that it might be even better to complement the knowledge from Google with traditional sources, such as parenting advice from grandparents. "You don't have to take it but there's no harm in listening," the doctor said.
