Do friends/family really want advice?

[Anonymous]

I've been a nanny for about a decade and therefore have plenty of parenting tips, tricks, and tactics. I'm careful not to dole them out to friends or family unsolicited or in a judging way. But what do I do when people ASK me for advice? It's easy to give activity ideas and stuff like that. But what about discipline and consistancy? Does my friend REALLY want to know that the reason her kids act up in public is because she doesn't give them any boundaries, consequences, or expectations? Or should I just sympathize with how hard parenting is and encourage her?

[Anonymous]

Tell the truth but in a nice way. Couch it as "I Used to care for a boy who xyz and I foumd ABC really helped. It might be worth a shot if other things haven't worked. Sometimes it takes consistency so don't give up if it doesn't work the first time."

[Anonymous]

If someone asks you for advice, feel free to give it.

[Anonymous]

I agree with these posters. If someone directly asks me something, I usually say something along the lines of "such-and-such has worked for me." I don't patronize them by agreeing with them that an avoidable situation is so difficult.

[Anonymous]

If you're asked then sure, give it. If not then zip it.