Share your parenting words of wisdom with Fairy Non Bio - £300 voucher to be won NOW CLOSED

[JustineBMumsnet]

Parenting - it's one hell of a journey and most of us have the sick-stained clothes, under-eye bags and laughter lines to show for it. But if you were going to distil down your experiences to one essential must-know fact, what would it be? Fairy Non Bio would like you to share your words of parenting wisdom for anyone embarking on this journey.

So, what are the essential things that you feel every parent needs to know? Maybe it's to enjoy the all-too fleeting moments of parenting joy, or know that you can never take too many photos. Perhaps you've had a moment of clarity when it comes to dealing with tantrums (toddler or teenage) or there are things you'd do very differently if you could have the time all over again.

Share your essential words of wisdom below to be entered into a prize draw where one MNer will win a £300 Love2Shop voucher.

Thanks and good luck with the prize draw!

MNHQ

Standard Insight T&Cs apply

Baby vests can be pulled down to remove rather than up and over baby's head. This is the best piece of wisdom that was shared with me and gave me huge joy the first (and subsequent!) time I needed to use it after a poonami :)

(Also, 'this too shall pass')

Never expect that a toddler will be predictable, every day is a school day!

The typical thing parents are told are to create and stick to a routine with babies.

I have learned as a first time mum that whilst establishing a routine is very beneficial, it is something that also can be stressful if baby isn't on board consistently.

My advice is to understand that as babies grow so will their needs and desires don't worry if they are awake after their usual bedtime or not feeding on the hour they usually would. We ourselves have days where we vary so why expect our babies to be any different.

Enjoy every single moment and remember that everything's will pass (I.e colic, teething etc) and they settle in to their own routine it has your guidance.

Babies:
breastmilk cures eye infections. They only need babygrows. Singing is good.

toddlers:
It doesn't matter what they're wearing or how long you take. Singing is great.

primary age:
Sod the homework and have fun. It doesn't matter what they read as long as they're reading. Keep up the singing.

teens:
Just listen... that is all.
Singing can be hilarious.

Enjoy the small things and take time to relax with the children. Not every minute needs to be planned out to do something super fantastic. The best days are often formed just being chilled out at home taking things as they come. As they get older meeting up with their friends is a good way to pass an afternoon.

Pick your battles,don't stress over the small stuff.

Trust your own instincts

Don't sweat the small stuff. If your toddler doesn't want to wear what you pick out then let them choose and don't worry about it. If they won't put their coat on then them get chilly (within reason obviously not if it's freezing!!). Things like teeth cleaning are non negotiable as is holding hands near roads and sitting still with food in your mouth. Relax about smaller stuff!

My words of wisdom would be to go with the flow a little. Plans are great, but they don't always work out.
Birth plans, breastfeeding, routines - it rarely goes completely to plan.
We have little twin boys and so far nothing is as I expected or thought it would be in my little pre-baby plans (including having two babies)!!
We've had to embrace change every day.. change in routine, change in plans, change in us as people and parents.

Embrace it and enjoy everyday

Everything is a phase. Every hard sleepless night, every screaming fit, it all passes. And then another phase comes and replaces it. But one day you'll wonder why you spent so much time worrying about the stuff that is now a distant memory.

Always be on your childs side. You may not be able to change whatever is going on, but they will always feel secure and loved.

You don't need to be a perfect parent. You need to be a good enough parent.

If what you're doing works for you and yours, then it's good enough.

You can change anything when you are ready.

And when things are particularly draining, remember the Mumsnet Mantra: "This, too, shall pass".

teens can be unpredictable, always thought when they were young it would get easier, it does not, just have to listen and be there when they need you and know when to back off

You'll get loads of conflicting advice. There's no right or wrong, you just need to figure out which bits are right for you and your baby.

Vests go down!

Just because they can't sit on the carpet without wiggling at 5 doesn't mean they'll never get a GCSE, degree or job.

I made spreadsheets with list of all the things I'd need and where / when! Hospital in labour, post birth, for baby, at home! It made me feel calm to check everything off the list. Lip balm, check. Clean nightie, check. Washed baby grows, check.

Don't bother trying too hard with a routine for a while, just meet your baby's needs as they come. There's no point stressing yourself or your little one out by trying to keep her waiting for a feed or a nap, it's not how newborns operate! I didn't try any routines and DD was happily sleeping 7 hours a night from 8 weeks and settled into her own routine, so don't think it will never happen if you don't start early either.

And remember to savour every single exhausting moment, and take tons of pictures because they grown and change so fast!

My favourite tip I didn't think of before DD was born is to take little video clips as well, because it really captures their character.

Facebook and Instagram aren't a true reflection of parenting. Other people may look like they have it sorted with immaculate homes, perfect kids, home cooked meals, quality family baking/crafting sessions and such like, but these are carefully selected snapshots, so don't beat yourself up if your life doesn't quite measure up to the ideal. :)

In challenging times, take a breath and slow your reactions. Lower your voice instead of raising it when possible (not in danger obviously). Consider the outcome you are aiming for before reacting.

It all gets easier. Trust your instincts and don't get competitive about how tired you are.

Everyone does life at their own pace, some do some things faster, others take their merry time. Most of them get there in the end though, and the slow path can be more interesting and enjoyable.

Let them be kids for as long as possible

Breastfeeding and co-sleeping were lifesavers for my sleep deprived and tired body. Baby sleep bags were brilliant and I wish I had used more reusable nappies. They were fab when I worked them out properly.

For toddlers and onwards, the key is a large handbag which always contains:
Tissues/wet wipes
Random small toys
Dried fruit/crackers
Small bottle of water

Not every weekend needs to organised to the nth degree and to a "destination". A pair of wellies and a stick are sometimes all you need and are as much fun if not more.

Oh and always have some wipes in your bag!

Looking after your own health and mental well-being is very important to your baby. It's easy to over-focus on the little one, but they need a well mummy too.