Boyfriend criticizes my parenting. What should I tell him?

[tischro]

I don't have children of my own, but I do have nephews. My boyfriend also criticizes me when I care at them. Do you think he has the right to criticize me?

[MaazHussain]

It is understandable that you may feel uncomfortable with your boyfriend criticizing your parenting or how you care for your nephews. It is important to have a conversation with him about how his comments make you feel and why they are not helpful.

You can express to him that while you value his opinion and input, it is not appropriate for him to criticize your parenting or caregiving skills without offering constructive advice or support. Additionally, since you do not have children of your own, it may be helpful to let him know that you are still learning and open to suggestions, but that criticism without constructive feedback can be hurtful and unproductive.

It is ultimately up to you to decide whether or not his behavior is acceptable in your relationship, and if it continues to be a problem, you may need to set boundaries.

[caring__1]

Criticism of any kind only puts people on the defensive, leading them to be more resistant to change and less likely to take the feelings of the person criticizing into consideration. Tell him you appreciate when he helps you broaden your perspective by showing you alternatives or potential consequences you didn't previously see, but putting you down will never be appreciated. You're also more likely to receive this information if he shares it privately rather than in front of others.

Whether he has the right or not is irrelevant. People have the right to sue others for any reason, but that doesn't mean there is any substance to the case or they are likely to win or achieve the results they seek. Educate your boyfriend to see what works best for you. If he's not open to being positively educated by you, how is it he feels entitled to dysfunctionally educate you?

[EmmaMary]

In what way does he criticize you?

[noohair]

What are the specific issues?

[Alex8736]

absolutely not