if you had only one piece of advice to give to a mother what would it be?

[dubbada]

exactly that,

tip: forgive yourself its okay to get things wrong. tomorrows another day

If you think it's right chances are it is

This comes from an often repeated conversation with my mum

Me- mum. Do you think I should x y and z
Mum- what do you think
Me- yeah I think I should
Mum- then do it !

Don't sweat the small stuff, pick your battles wisely.

If I could give two, I'd say 'be responsible and discipline'-whatever you use keep at it. I've seen a couple cave and their kids aren't better for it.

Play the long game.

It doesn't matter whether the nursery curtains match the changing mat and the lampshade. It really doesn't.

Write down all the small things so you don't forgot. The funny faces when they made when first born, first smile. Things that made u smile. My DD is only 5 months but changed so much already.

"It will all be the same in ten years time." A favourite of my mothers and so right!

Don't worry, you can make it up as you go along.

There is no such thing as too many cuddles.

Don't waste your maternity leave (like I have )

You can have all the money in the world to spend on your kids but it won't be half as important as spending all the time you can with them.

They grow up so fast. I really wish I'd listened to al the old dears who told me to 'enjoy them while they're small'

If they are clingy and won't let you put them down, or want you to sleep with them or won't be left at a party, it might feel hard to bear.

But one day the very idea of having you anywhere near them when they are with their friends will fill them with clear horror, and that's much harder to bear.

If you are sewing bunting and making cupcakes when DD takes a nap. Stop, give yourself a reality check, make a cuppa and get on Mumsnet.

The competitive mummy crap is just that, relax, enjoy your bundle of little baby and chill out.

Buy cake instead :)

Maryz - wise words as always.

Be consistent in your boundary setting, praise the good stuff and always show them that you love them.

Trust your body

Slow down and enjoy the moment, dont be in a rush to move on to the next stage and dont give in to competitve parenting. They are only at the stage they are at once... savour it

wish I had the nerve to say that to the parent who ran off and left her reception class child to his own devices so she could put washing out

The first time you say 'no' to them, mean it. If you back down first time, they'll never believe you really mean it.

As someone else said, don't feel guilty about the choices you make, just do what's right for your family as the children will be ok if you are

Breathe & enjoy

Have a Gin & Tonic at 6pm every evening. It will give you something to look forward to, no matter how hard the day is.

Back up all photos twice

Don't worry about other people's opinions: if it feels right to you, it probably is right for you (and vice versa).

Thankfully we have MN for when we don't have a clue

Never be hard on yourself

Do what is right and best for you and your baby.

Find, ask for, accept help on your terms when YOU need it.

Don't compare your child to others. They all do things at different times.