Is this your first child?

If I could have a do-over, after parenting for 25 years, I'd work relentlessly on my own anxious thoughts about how other parents perceive me and let that stuff go. With a therapist, if necessary.

You and your DH are the experts on your child. It's hard not to internalize all the negative, confusing messages parents receive. You, of course, want to be the perfect parent for your child but you will be happier if you strive toward "good enough."

You're pretty much damned if you do ("hover") and damned if you don't. Somebody will always think you are doing too much or doing too little. Trust yourselves and keep your child safe.

And hang in there. smile