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

Getting into a routine is great but try to be flexible too.
Listen to advice but adapt and ignore if need be.

Just try to go with it as much as possible - routines are more stress than their worth. Try to get out of the baby every day for a break and fresh air. Accept all the help you're offered.

pick your battles wisely - don't sweat the small stuff

Trust your instincts!

The advice from various experts changes constantly, use common sense.

Always have baby wipes handy. They are useful to clean the kids up, but they also get rid of most stains on carpets and furniture. They have save the day with lots of spillages.

Everyone has moments where they think they are doing a terrible job - not to worry about it - the good times outweigh those 100-1

There is no one right way to be a parent - and no child is ever the same as the next one. . It is natural to make mistakes and to learn as you go so try to relax as they grow up so quickly!

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.

I was only young when I fell pregnant with my eldest. I was 18, terrified, and if I'm honest, completely unequipped for parenthood. I went to a family gathering when I was about 4 months pregnant and my uncle pulled me on to one side and said "Just love them. Nothing else matters, just love them." It's a mantra I have lived by for the past ten years and something I have reminded myself of when money is tight, or circumstances are difficult or my patience is running low. Give your children your unconditional love and attention and all will be fine :)

Its really OK for babies to cry :)

Pick your battles and don't sweat the small stuff!
It really doesn't matter if they have odd socks on (especially if no one can see them!) and if they want the blue spoon let them have it!

And you can never have too many books.

Spend quality time with your mum or other mothers so as to gain a light-hearted break and a positive perspective

Don't be too stubborn to ask for help. We've all needed a helping hand from time to time,

Try your hardest and do the best you can. Nobody can ask more than that. An essential tip I'd pass on to new mums is to join baby clubs to meet others mums in the same boat to share stories & advice.

Just be patient and remind them that you love them even when you are angry with them!

Sleep when the baby sleeps
Wet wipes for the young ones
Pick your battles with teens
Cut the apron strings when THEY are ready - not when you are

Pick your battles wisely! There will be many times when your parents, his parents, your friends, your partner and even complete strangers believe that they know better. It is easy to fall out with someone judging you on a decision you have made but some are best ignored as they are not worth arguing over. So many decisions we have made have been criticized by others including Waterbabies, baby-led weaning and nursery to name but a few. We have researched every decision we have made and made the best choices for us, you will soon find that those dead against the idea at the time are soon the ones boasting to friends that their grandson is an excellent swimmer, socialiser or eater etc! :)

Take each day as it comes, today may be the day you feel you might crack, but tomorrow is another day, if you are offered help, don't be a martyr and take the help. Tomorrow may be the day you treasure and yesterday is only a memory.

Don't worry about the housework.

If giving them a dummy helps you get some peace, do it. A dummy can always be chucked away later.

Detinitelty sleep when you baby sleeps- to hell with keeping the house spotless.
Do consider microwaveable rice and other such items to assist with a half decent/healthy meal on 55 minutes sleep.
Buy the most comfortable bed you can afford and do not feel bad for going to bed at 8.30pm
Do not go to shopping malls to pass the time- you are likely to see things you can't afford. Instead think about gardening or visiting local charity shops. Another option is to have a massive clear out and sell things on eBay- can be so therapeutic and at the time of end of it you might have some spending money 😄
Finally I spent the last couple of months of my maternity leave practicing healthy but simple meals I could make that were enough for two nights or eat one, freeze one. All took 1/2hr or less to make and meant I could plan for eating well once returned to work.

Learn the signs of choking and sepsis, and then don't worry about anything else because everything else is a) normal and/or b) will pass.

Oh and get them vaccinated.

Enjoy every single day, even the trying ones as they grow up to soon and its they are all 'grown up' before you know it. Sad but true :)

Do the supermarket shop online...why had this taken me 6 years!
Buy clothes for your own baby if you wish, I love doing this and the gifts/hand-me-downs might not be things you'd choose.
Muslins are soooo useful.
Baby wipes clean nearly everything, great fit stains on the sofa or sprucing up the bathroom.
Not all baby's sleep well. It is normal. It is really hard though!
Take your children out in all weathers, then they'll enjoy it. Buy thermals and suitable coats/boots.
Long day trips and returning to your own bed late at night can be easier than staying overnight (applies to family visits and day trips).

When they are teeny, and they cry, and milk or nappy change don't solve it, take them into the fresh air and the crying magically stops!

However Marks and Spencer always makes babies cry - I think it's the lights...

On a more serious note, parenting books seem designed to patronise and/or irritate. Ignore them!

Treasure every stage, they pass so fast. Remember this when they are throwing up on you, throwing a tantrum, or being thrown out of a bar (much much later).