What's the best advice you're ever been given?

[Flickstix]

Be it from mumsnet or real life!

Never get used to anything you love - it blunts the edge of appreciation

Today comes only once, and never again returns

'Whatever you do today remember you have to look in the mirror tomorrow.' my Mum

'Popular is because popular does' my Dad when I whinged about no boyfriends at 14.

both good advice

Smile and the world will smile with you

I like your first one there plipplops about don't let it ruin your day

'You are sympathetic and re-assuring to your teenagers about their spots and smelliness and all the other changes their bodies are going through. Try to be sympathetic and re-assuring when they are moody or mouthy. It's not personal, just another symptom of their hormones affecting them.'

A wise friend with older children told me this. It's easier said than done, but has helped me keep things in perspective when my DDs are doing the eye-rolling, grunted answer thing. Once that kind of attitude would have incensed me. Now I try to take a deep breath and refuse to rise to it (most of the time). It saves a huge amount of drama.

Failing to prepare is preparing to fail.
Measure twice - cut once.
Do not under any circumstance disrespect your friends or family on Facebook.
Do not leave personal photos on your laptop when you sell it to a family member (I bought the said laptop from my sister in law )

If you can say yes to the three following things you are doing a great job as a Mum:

1. Your children are alive.
2. Your children are safe from danger.
3. Your children have been fed and watered.

Good advice to remember if you are going through a patch when you are worried you are not doing any arts and crafts, too much tv time etc...

I completely understand where you're coming from VA - and know how hard it is to keep perspective in this parenting business, but sadly there are many good Mums who cannot say number 1 on your list - including many lovely MNers.
So I just had to write this thinking of them x

Marry for money, have love on the side!

'Don't sit on the baby's head' from midwife.

Yes I hope that did not offend anyone, I did not mean it in the sense of miscarriage or loss of a child. I just meant that you are managing to keep the children in your care alive, sorry if I offended anyone :(

if you are given - accept it, if you are beaten - run away!

I tried to write my post gently as I don't want to upset you either VA.

And of course it's always good when you get to the end of the day and everyone is safely tucked up in bed - just so long as you/I remember that that really is something to be thankful for/ glad about, and never something to take for granted.

Sorry if it's a bit heavy. I am enjoying the thread a lot. Much wisdom to be found here Love to all x

You don't know what you don't know

You shouldn't marry for money but marry where money is; DM!

Didn't offend me virtual but thanks Juggling. You alright cup [hugs] to all.

So wise, kind, and generous as always cup
Much love x

Mums are always right!

Never admit your negative faults to anyone (thinking looks here)

Never trust a short bald man

Organisation leads to efficiency

Don't ever make a promise you can't keep and don't ever make a threat you won't carry out.

That way everybody knows where they stand. My kids know if I tell them that they will miss *** if they do it again, then I mean they will miss it.

Never take advice at face value. Be grateful for it, then follow what your heart says. (Especially with regards parenting.)

'Every time you're tempted to say something rude, unkind, or take part in gossip - imagine the person you most respect/love/care about in the whole world is secretly watching you....'

Choose your battles

Mum's marriage advice - don't worry about who's got the better deal . Ie who got to sleep in more, got the best bits of the paper. Etc. sort of odd but it works.

If he's cheating with you, he'll cheat on you.