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What’s the best parental advice you’ve ever received? £300 voucher to be won. NOW CLOSED
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PoppyMumsnet · 22/01/2018 14:03
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iamnotwhat · 24/01/2018 17:21
The best piece of advice on parenting is to follow my instinct.
I always say to my children (primary school age) that they can tell me anything - no matter how big, small, wonderful or awful. It means that even if they've done something wrong I can help them to sort it out or help them to understand why it was wrong so they don't do it again. It's worked so far, and long may it last!
NextIndia · 24/01/2018 17:30
"They won't still be doing it when they're 15" by my Dad, when I was worrying about DC1 sleeping in our bed/not walking/only eating sausages etc. It's hard not to stress yourself out comparing your baby with other babies when you're a new Mum cause you don't have that frame of reference.
Sleepysausage · 24/01/2018 17:35
I think if kindness is at the front of all your actions you will always make good decisions. I encourage my daughter to always be kind. Rather than saying 'be good' I always say 'be kind'. I think it's easier for a child to make a good choice based on kindness rather than behaviour which can be interpreted very differently
mumsiedarlingrevolta · 24/01/2018 17:37
Never try and make a happy child happier.
Just leave them to it because any helping, suggesting ways for them to be even happier etc bursts the bubble and never works.
Gazelda · 24/01/2018 17:40
Listen. Stop what you're doing, put down your book, turn off your tablet. Listen to them. Give them your full attention.
mnahmnah · 24/01/2018 17:41
‘Remember everything is just a phase’. It really is. My sanity has been saved on many occasions with this advice. I always pass it on and it sticks with my friends too.
starlight36 · 24/01/2018 17:41
To treat each child individually - very easy to compare development and achievements against their peers and siblings. Each child develops differently.
EggysMom · 24/01/2018 17:52
Don't sweat the small stuff.
GunslingerPie · 24/01/2018 17:57
Being good enough is good enough!
Fishcalledlola · 24/01/2018 18:17
mnahmnah so true! Wish I knew this with my first!
A bath is a great mood changer. It's relaxing, fun and a feel good activity for grumpy kids, any time of day.
DS, 2 is in the bath with a little paint roller, cleaning the tiles and really enjoying himself, despite being full of cold.
ButterflyOfFreedom · 24/01/2018 18:18
Pick your battles!
DunnoWhy · 24/01/2018 18:25
Always keep in mind that its easier to build a child than to repair an adult. To me it translates as think big and think long term and try your very best to raise a happy contented person, happy in his/her own skin. Don't forget everything you do and say and show, will greatly influence your child. Being these young impressionable little things, you are their whole world and the most important teacher for them. They believe everything you tell them. It's a massive responsibility. So think about your words and actions and love and accept them for who they are.
Think; "Will it still matter in a few weeks or months time?" If the answer is no, then let it go. Your aim is always to raise them to be happy healthy adults.
I owe this philosophy to my own lovely mum. I'm not perfect but she really did try her best. I love and respect her.
Princessdebthe1st · 24/01/2018 18:39
You don't have to attend every argument they invite you to.
This piece of advice has always been helpful. It's invaluable now as we head into adolescence.
abitoflight · 24/01/2018 18:47
Pick your battles
It's just a phase
Sierra259 · 24/01/2018 18:53
Definitely "It's just a phase"
WiseDad · 24/01/2018 18:57
When you walk in the door after a day at work it doesn't matter how tired you are or whether you have something else to do, spend five minutes with your kids when they start talking about what they did. They will soon get bored and wander off but they will think you're the most caring and wonderful parent.
It works, on all ages. I tell everyone the same advice.
NickSharratsFeltTip · 24/01/2018 18:59
Always try to understand why.
peanutbutter310 · 24/01/2018 19:00
"It's just a phase"
But since that has already been taken, as a bonus "listen to all the advice, then run with your gut instinct".
Playdohnut · 24/01/2018 19:04
This too will pass, the good bits and the not so good.
donnatella110 · 24/01/2018 19:20
Children should be children not mini adults. Have fun, make mess and make memories
juddyrockingcloggs · 24/01/2018 19:21
Never let them go to bed after an argument or telling off without a kiss and an I love you.... you never know what might happen the following day.
sharond101 · 24/01/2018 19:36
Trust your motherly instinct. Love, laugh and listen.
Vladtheunbaler · 24/01/2018 19:39
A mothers place is in the wrong. No matter what you do, someone somewhere will think you are doing it wrong, so stop fretting about what everyone thinks, and go with what works for you.
Notasperfectasallothermners · 24/01/2018 19:40
Practice a straight face for when they want to talk to you about sex.... Never appear shocked /disappointed.
CMOTDibbler · 24/01/2018 19:45
My mums best advice was that you can never talk with your children enough. Its also pretty good relationship advice!
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