The hardest thing about parenting isn’t always the kid.

In fact, something that comes as a surprise when many people become parents for the first time is how much potential drama can come from friends and relatives and their involvement in the life of the baby. It is not uncommon for them to massively overstep, causing a nuisance or giving unnecessary guidance that only makes things more difficult. It is important for moms and dads to be vigilant when it comes to setting boundaries around the child, even when it is with loved ones.

At the same time, it can be common for parents to get overprotective and overthink how involved they want their extended family to be when they have a baby. Every so often, pushing people away can prove to be a mistake instead of a prudent decision, as it gets rid of the longed-for ‘village’ that helps with child-rearing.