Some days I still can’t believe those seemingly reasonable nurses and doctors at the hospital just let my husband and me (who were still freaking out about whether or not we had mastered the swaddle or diapering) take our beautiful, completely dependent baby home to rely on the likes of us. Were they crazy?!
That was 10 (and three quarters!) years ago. Since then, and with the addition of another child, we’ve figured out a few things, totally rocked on a few things, and probably messed up a few (cough) things.
There’s no doubt about it—this parenting gig is an on-the-job training situation like no other. There’s no manual, no roadmap, no one-size-fits-all blueprint to follow. You have to rely heavily on the magic of your intuition and the ridiculous amount of love you feel for these little people, along with (hopefully) support from your family and community.
As it happens, this Internet thing really took off over the past decade while I’ve been a parent. Over the years, I’ve found inspiration from a number of unexpected sources online, including people who don’t necessarily specialize in parenting, but have impacted my parenting journey for the better.
Here are 6 people I think every mom and dad can glean some parenting inspiration from.
Sir Ken Robinson
Sir Ken Robinson in Beverly Hills, Calif. in 2016. (Joe Scarnici/Getty Images)An education expert, among other things, the brilliant Sir Ken Robinson was made quite famous by his TED Talk (the most viewed talk in TED’s history) that posed the question, “Do Schools Kill Creativity?” It is a must-watch for any parent concerned with their child’s education.
His work on education and creativity is critical, in my opinion, for anyone charged with the raising of other humans.
Seth Godin
Author, Entrepreneur and Marketer Seth Godin during 2016 Advertising Week New York on Sept. 27, 2016. (Benjamin Chasteen/Epoch Times)Seth Godin is a marketing expert and prolific author who blogs everyday. He enjoyed massive success in the early days of the Internet and is one of the foremost sought after marketing minds of our time. I’m a marketing nerd and have been following him since before kids.
It is his work on education that has inspired my parenting and earned him a spot on this list.
His free education manifesto, “Stop Stealing Dreams (What is School For?) is available online.
Dave Ramsey
Dave Ramsey in his broadcasting studio in Brentwood, Tenn., on July 29, 2009. (AP Photo/Josh Anderson)The Internet is overflowing with characters that will teach you financial success. Dave Ramsey, whose career took off long before the Internet was at scale, is like no other. His book, “The Total Money Makeover,” encourages a debt-free lifestyle and guides families through important topics like life insurance, wills, and budgeting. Anytime I find I’m veering off-course as it relates to money, I go back to Dave and get back on track.
Jim Gaffigan
Comedian Jim Gaffigan at Madison Square Garden in New York City in 2013. (Jemal Countess/Getty Images)If you don’t know Jim Gaffigan, you clearly need a babysitter and some time out from under that rock. This comedian makes my list of “parenting” experts because he’s just so hilarious and commonly pulls from his experience as a father of five. I’m a comedy fan and think laughing hysterically should be part of every parent’s routine.
My favorite bit of his can be found here. Enjoy.
Ree Drummond
Ree Drummond in Los Angeles, in this file photo. (Charley Gallay/Getty Images for LA Times)Food Network star Ree Drummond has great recipes, sure, but that’s not what I find most inspiring about this blogger turned television star. Her Food Network show may be the most family-friendly show on television. The example that the Drummond family, from their work-ethic, to their homeschooling success, to their love and respect for one another, is a shining light in the sphere of entertainment available today.
I have been following her blog for years and highly recommend her insights.
Kim John Payne
Dr. Kim John Payne is actually a parenting expert in the traditional sense. The author of one of my favorite parenting books, “Simplicity Parenting-Using the Extraordinary Power of Less to Raise Calmer, Happier, and More Secure Kids,” his work is the antidote the harried life of families in 2017.
