When a child notices differences in others' behavior or family styles, it can be hard on parents. Comparing rules, privileges, or limits (think screen time, sweets, bedtime, clothing, etc.) to others can exhaust parents on a daily basis, and even cause them to question their own choices.

To support parents, here are a few suggestions they can offer their children when met with the infamous "BUT EVERYONE ELSE IS DOING IT!":

1. Explain that "different families have different rules." Reinforce that while families may have different rules or traditions, what matters most is kindness and respect for everyone.
2. Offer simple, age-appropriate explanations without judgment. For example, "In our family, we save screens for movie night. Other families use screens at the restaurant. It's different for every family."
3. Focus on validating observations without needing to defend choices, for example, "I know you wish we did that. I understand" and then moving on.