What is your best tip as a mother . . . to other mothers?

Question

What tip could you give, that would make other mothers lives that little bit easier?

Answer 1

dont sweat the small stuff. its so not worth the stress

Answer 2

For young infants -- schedule. It will be bring some peace in your life when you don't have to live the chaotic lifestyle as directed by a crying child. Both you and your baby will be much happier.
For babies -- they are a lot smarter than you give them credit for. They learn at an early age the art of manipulation. Just when you think the couldn't possibly know what they are doing, you will find they DO!!
For toddlers -- remain the PARENT!! I've seen so many mothers being over-run by their children. There is no such thing as compromising with a young child. There are rules and expectations and what you say as a parent is the law!! Don't give in. Giving in is the easy way out, it's lazy parenting and only makes for a child who expects to always have their way.
For grade-schoolers -- develop a strong bond, take every opportunity to "know" your child. You are setting the groundwork for those difficult teenage years to come. When a child feels close to their parents, their friends will have less influence.

Answer 3

Research and read about EVERYTHING before your baby gets here. There is so much information out there that we think we've gotten from trusted sources (doctors, AAP, etc.) that turns out to be only partial. The term "informed consent" is a joke.

Breastfeeding can change your life, and mold your relationship with your baby in such an amazing way. Give it a try.

Baby boys deserve to have their foreskins left alone. Nobody should have their genitals surgically altered to avoid having to teach them proper hygiene.

Research vaccines beforehand. You may choose to have them done anyway, but at least you'll know the good *and* bad and be able to take that into consideration first.

Babies cannot be spoiled by being held "too much", whatever that is. All 6 of my babies were held, cuddled, breastfed according to their needs (not a clock), slept when tired, were interacted with every possible moment when they were awake, *and* when they got older, given rules, limits, and discipline to teach them what was expected of them. Meeting all of your baby's needs doesn't have to mean raising children who get everything they want and walk all over you. You just have to learn to recognize what is a need, and what is a want, and act accordingly. There will be plenty of time for that as each stage passes into the next, though. Infancy is not the time to worry about spoiling, independence, and teaching them "who's in charge".

Sleeping with your baby can make life so much easier, meet your baby's nighttime needs, and can be a wonderful experience! Moving them to their own bed later doesn't have to be a struggle if you make it a gentle transition. And trust me, your intimate life with your partner does NOT have to suffer. Be creative. ;)

The "Terrible Twos" is a farce. Don't believe a word of it. 2 y/o children are independent and clingy, shy and outgoing, angelic and devillish, in short, they can be a complete contradiction! But if you can tap into their special 2 y/o logic, they are so fun & fascinating to watch develop!

Teenagers really *are* a challenge, though. They are their own person, with their own thoughts and opinions, and they often clash with parents' thoughts and opinions. And they have the logic and reasoning to back it up, along with a healthy dose of sass! There is a fine line between disciplining them, and still respecting them as an individual, free-thinking person. But respect is a must. If you don't respect them, they learn quickly that you are not worth respecting either.

When problems or challenges arise, just remember that "This, too, shall pass." It always does, and is shortly replace by some new problem or challenge! ;)

Answer 4

Well, my motto for parenting is this and has been since day one: spend more time having fun then being frustrated.

So I make sure that I dispiline strict enough for the personality that they obey really good. We have an 'open communication policy... anything can be said in a non accusing way with a repsectful tone of voice' And then we have alot of time left with good attitudes and we play games have movie nights and just talk. We have soo much fun and are not that frustrated with each other. Of course we all get tired, grumpy and have moments... but we do have way more fun then frustration

Answer 5

well my advice as a first time mother myself would have to be.. advice is meant to be given but not neccessarily taken ie listen to it, take what you want from it, and ignore the rest. at the end of the day YOU are your child's mother not anybody else. If you believe you are doing a great job and your child is healthy and doing wonderfully don't let anybody tell you that you're doing something wrong. Do what you feel is right for you and your family and not what other people say is right just because it worked for them doesn't mean it has to for you. there is no one 'right' way to be a parent,if you want to co-sleep then do it if you want to put them in a crib do it, if you want to breast feed fine formula feed fine, if he falls over don't stress it you'll already punish yourself enough don't let anybody else do it to you too and it'l just make you that much more careful!shower your child with love and affection and support, provide him with food warmth clothing and shelter, a stable but flexible home and you will all come out right in the end!

Answer 6

don't panic over everything such as..they fall kids do its part of life ..they wont eat they will no child has ever starved them self to death...your not your child's friend your their parent they will have 100s of friends but only one mom so they need you to do that job....baby's,toddlers and children cry its part of life so trying to fix everything does not help them to develop coping skills sometimes just being there and listening serves better even for a 2 year old who is just frustrated they do not need you to do it for them but help find a way for them to do it themselves....be realistic they tell you if by the time your child is 3 they are not showing genius quality's then they will not be this does not mean your child will not be smart or with out encouragement they will not do well at school but it does mean that sitting and making a 3 year old do flash cards all day and trying to get them to read or over loading them with lessons and drills will not make them a genius so let them play and be kids this means make messes get dirty have fun! and last all ways let them no that no matter what big or small you are all ways in their corner that no problem is so big that between you and them you cant figure out a way to handle it!

Answer 7

OMG, when I'm getting stressed and going to blow my top, I'm going to mark this question down and just read back over these answers!! Most everyone on here is SPOT ON, I am spending so much time focusing on what's WRONG I can't see what my kids are doing RIGHT.
You've all certainly helped ME out anyway.
Patience, that's the key. Loosen up and have fun, they're only children.

Answer 8

When their driving you batty and you feel as if your going to scream or spank....step back and breathe...take a trip to the bathroom and splash some water on your face. Remember that screaming and spanking doesn't sink into a child's head. If you want them to learn the difference between right and wrong, teach them with calmness. The more upset you are, the more upset they will get.

Answer 9

Take the help when its offered, and dont be afraid to ask when you need it. Let them spend the night with a grandparent every now and then...they need to get away from you sometimes too, and dont feel guilty. My little one loves to get away, and when she comes home, we have so much fun talking about the things she did and how much we missed each other.

Answer 10

keep coupons. Huggies are tremendous diapers and with coupons, you spend a similar for them as you do the knock-off manufacturers. Breast is maximum suitable, yet when that is thanks to stressful for the guy, they ought to do what relieves them and their infant. Spoiling a infant, there is not any SUCH ingredient. in case you adore on your infant, in case you feed your infant, in case you do something consisting of your infant they receives connected, that is nature.

Answer 11

patients kids make mistakes and messes

talk to your kids like they are people be understanding have them involved in helping care for themselves by 6 my kids could cook and do laundry i involved them in all the house work and shopping it made foe allot less fits and as they got older they just knew what needed to be done i never have to ask them to clean there rooms or put dishes in the dish washer when we went to the Dr i had them pick up all the toys before we left

i have the cleanest house and its nice now that there teens i have allot less to do when i get home from work

spend time with them doing things they like and find fun no matter how boring you find it

just a few things i found that helped me as a mom