Comedian Pete Davidson recently shared the best parenting advice he’s received: do not take advice. The Saturday Night Live alum, who welcomed daughter Scottie Rose with girlfriend Elsie Hewitt in December, recounted the story during an appearance on The Late Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
The Overload of Unsolicited Guidance
New parents are often bombarded with opinions – from sleep schedules to feeding methods. Davidson joked about the realities of infant care, noting that babies “crap so much.” But the real takeaway came from an unlikely source: Eddie Murphy.
“The Best Advice Is No Advice”
When asked if he’d received parenting tips, Davidson said people offer them “tons,” even strangers in stores. However, the most useful guidance came from Murphy, who bluntly advised, “You can’t tell another man how to raise his child.” This straightforward approach acknowledges the deeply personal nature of parenthood.
Murphy’s Perspective: Presence Over Instruction
Murphy, himself a father of ten, embodies this philosophy. He previously described his parenting “superpower” as always being present and available for his kids. This suggests that consistent engagement, rather than prescriptive advice, is the most valuable contribution a parent can make.
The Value of Learning Through Experience
Davidson also mentioned being inspired by Machine Gun Kelly’s dedication to his daughters, flying back and forth to see his eldest play volleyball. While such commitment is admirable, the core message remains the same: parenting is best navigated through personal experience.
Ultimately, Davidson’s story reinforces the idea that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to raising a child. The most effective guidance may simply be the freedom to figure it out on your own.
