Psychologists - Do they know everything?

Listen to a psychologist. If you do, chances are you'll begin to think that people can be segregated into different, clear cut boxes. People are either autistic, schizoid, depressed, bi-polar, etc. To what extent should we believe what they have to say? To what extent should we allow their ideas to affect us? To what extent do they have accurate views? Are these true facts or mere opinions?

This morning, when I watched Sis briefly on GMA 7, Jaya (the singer), a mother herself, said "you know what's best for your child. Do not believe everything other people say." Though she didn't explicitly point to any one group or person, I presume she was alluding to child experts/psychologists who write volumes upon volumes of books on child rearing, childhood problems and the like.

I tend to believe in what Jaya had to say. I subscribe to her notion. More than anyone else, a mother knows her child, what's best for him/her. Most mothers see their children as distinct individuals with distinct needs, wants, traits and treat them accordingly. How much more correct can these mothers be, never mind if they defy the norms set by psychologists?

I know quite a few of them who have problem children or problems with their children. They are as human as the rest of us non-psychologists. They have flaws, commit errors. But they can be so judgmental and think they know everything. Go Jaya! Carmina apparently agreed with Jaya as she vigorously nodded her head following Jaya's expression of her ideas.