Parenting advice is something we all encounter, often unsolicited, and let’s be honest—much of it can be pretty dubious. From the “don’t take your child to a restaurant unless they can behave” to the “make sure that baby wears a hat even when it’s sixty degrees” kind of tips, it’s clear that everyone feels entitled to weigh in on your parenting choices. It’s a strange societal urge that’s meant to create connection but often leads to frustration.
However, amidst the sea of questionable advice, there are a few pearls of wisdom that truly resonate, standing out against the backdrop of misguided suggestions like letting infants chew on bourbon for teething or claims that hot dogs are harmful. So, we reached out to our readers to share the best parenting advice they’ve received, and the results were enlightening.
Original Insights
- “I’m a better parent when I have witnesses,” shared one mom, recalling a moment of vulnerability as a new parent while another mother managed her own trio of toddlers. This sentiment resonated with many.
- “Always wash baby socks in a lingerie bag!” A tip from a brother, which can save a lot of laundry headaches when fishing out those tiny socks.
- “Ignore anything that begins with, ‘Oh, just wait…’”—a clever way to filter out naysayers and negativity.
- “Stop breaking Cheerios into tiny pieces. Your child is not going to choke on a whole one. Babies are tougher than you think.” This is a crucial reminder!
- “When diapers start leaking, simply move up a size.” Straightforward and practical advice.
- “Popsicles count as hydration, and bubble baths can really lift their spirits.” Truly life-altering advice!
Essential Reminders
- “Every day is unique.” Obvious, yet often overlooked.
- “When someone offers to help after you’ve given birth, let them pitch in. You don’t have to be perfectly put together for them.” This came from a seasoned mom who has navigated the challenges of motherhood.
- “Don’t hesitate to ask for help!”
- “And when help is offered, accept it!”
- “In 100 years, none of this will matter.” A wise phrase from a grandmother, applicable in so many stressful situations.
- “Avoid comparisons with other parents.”
- “Every child is unique. What works for one may not work for another.”
- “Be the parent your child needs—this may differ for each child. It’s about fairness, not equality.”
- “Parent the child you have, not the one you imagined.”
- “Do what’s best for your family, not what others think.” This advice comes from a mother seasoned in raising kids from infancy to their teenage years.
- “Trust your instincts.”
- “You’re the mom—do what feels right.”
Strategies for Handling Emotions
- “When you mess up, apologize. It’s part of being human.”
- “Kids need to see adults admit mistakes and apologize.”
Agreed-Upon Advice
- “For my twins, we kept them on the same schedule to prevent constant interruptions. Otherwise, it would have been chaos every half hour.”
- “My best friend assured me not to stress about potty training—it will happen when they’re ready. This genuinely saved my sanity.”
- “Choose your battles wisely. Some things just aren’t worth a fight.” Another mom chimed in, “Especially with teenagers.”
- “Listen to your children when they share their lives with you. This builds a foundation for open communication.”
- “Engage in tough conversations while driving; topics like sex and drugs can be easier when you’re not face-to-face.”
Emotional Advice
- “Make love a daily action.” This wisdom came from a father who has written extensively on the topic.
- “Just be present; babies grow up fast.” As a mom of rapidly maturing kids, I can relate.
- “The days are long, but the years are short. Cherish every moment.”
- “Capture memories through photos often.”
- “What your kids will remember isn’t what you spend on them, but the time you invest.” This is undeniably true.
- “Identify two or three parents you admire and trust; seek advice from them.”
Empowering Affirmations
- “You are enough. Perfection doesn’t exist, just doing your best.”
- “It’s okay to feel overwhelmed. Struggles don’t define your parenting.”
- “Remember who you are outside of being a mom.”
- “Forgive yourself; mistakes are part of the journey.”
This article was originally published on September 7, 2018.
In summary, the advice shared by parents reflects the real challenges and joys of raising children. Whether it’s practical tips, heartfelt reminders, or emotional support, these insights can help make the journey of parenthood a little smoother. For more information on family planning and home insemination, you can visit Make a Mom’s Home Insemination Kit and learn about starting your own family journey. Additionally, for a comprehensive overview of fertility, check out Healthline’s resource on intrauterine insemination. If you’re looking for more guidance, the Couples’ Fertility Journey is an excellent starting point.
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