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

When they are little, keep a little book of anecdotes - those funny little things they say will always make you smile!

When they get older - pick your fights :)

Look after yourself and your relationships.

Sometimes DCs need to come second.

Try to work at least PT. Being a SAHM was far and away easiest in our circumstances and 14 years latter I regret it.

If I had a job I could follow greatantirenes excellent advice

Don't forget they will grow up and leave sooner than you think, so you don't neglect the other parts of your life.

Also: Don't listen to the HV when they tell you to clean a new baby's bum with damp cotton wool. You need baby wipes. Big ones.

Have fun with your kids and try not to worry about things.

Enjoy and have fun with your little one. You should both get as much sleep as you can. Be kind to yourselves on hard days.

Don't bother sterilising - it's a waste of time.

Babies that constantly have their filthy fingers in their mouths and who eat dirt off the floor don't need to have sterlised spoons, bowls and bottles.

You cant always protect them from everything, you can do your damn best though.

Set clear but flexible boundaries and know these will be tested and that it is OK to say No

Nappy disposal bags have dual use. Buy the fragranced ones, hook the handles over your ears. Instant gas mask....

Doing what is best for you is doing your best for the baby

Remember you are not JUST a mum. Because one day children will stop needing you 24/7 and you need to have something else in your life. (shuffles off to try to find something).

Quoting Roald Dahl - Above all be kind.

Show respect for them, protect them, their self esteem, their health and show them a good example in your own life.

Enjoy your life, it's short.

It gets better (then they usually do it all over again0

Even if your baby doesn't act like they love you, they actually really do.

At 3 months old, they just dont know yet how to show it

Never trust a quiet toddler....

oh so true mimca

Relax - let them entertain themselves sometimes. Encourage independence. Mostly though - enjoy and don't get too caught up with the small things -very few things that you obsess about are actually important in the greater scheme of things.

Once they're healthy and happy - you're doing well!

Ok so that was four things but.....

and one more = shamelessly copying poster above = sterilising anything for a baby whose crawling is pointless!

Never, ever, ever, trust a quiet toddler.

constantly say 'i love you' and try to demonstrate that by your actions.

Put joy in their lives, make them laugh. Have fun.

Hold your nerve, it's a marathon not a sprint.

There is NO such thing as a perfect parent. Just do the best you can do at the time.

No shame in asking for or accepting help from other people.

Mine is also pick your battles.

And try really hard not to call your teenage daughter a bitch when she is in earshot even if she is being a bitch