What’s the best parental advice you’ve ever received? £300 voucher to be won. NOW CLOSED

[PoppyMumsnet]

We’re working with the team at Legal & General to encourage Mumsnetters to get involved with their #ForeverAParent campaign.

The things you do as a parent will last your children’s lifetime, so Legal & General are asking the nation what it means to be forever a parent. Whether your children are six or 60 years old, starting school or starting a family, you’ll always be the person they turn to for advice when it comes to life’s milestones, that’s because you’ll forever be their parent.

Here’s what Legal & General have to say “Your influence, support and advice will stay with your children always - because being a parent doesn’t stop. We’ve been asking parents across the UK what being Forever a Parent really means to them, as each individual is different, and we’d love to hear your views.”

Share what ‘Forever A Parent’ means to you to be entered into a prize draw where one MNer will win a £300 Amazon gift card.

Thanks and good luck!
MNHQ

Standard T&Cs apply

Don't try and be their best friend as they need discipline.

Trust your instincts

Don't have children,just borrow one for a while and you'll see why 😉

try to put yourself in their position to understand

Say sorry when you've made a mistake. You can't expect your kids to do it if you don't do it too.

Be yourself

You can't be perfect.

Do it your way nobody knows your children like you do.

Pick your battles!

It must be to trust your instincts. There are so many books and websites out there pushing the best way to do this, that and the other at you. Sometimes you find some good tips but other times it can be overwhelming.

‘Children are supposed to be bored - it’s how they learn to use their imagination’

'Children are supposed to be bored - it’s how they learn to use their imagination’

^^
I love this

Close your ears to any unsolicited advice and go with your instincts.

Try to be a good role model right from the start.
Learn to bite your tongue and listen before speaking.
Don’t be afraid to apologise to your child. We don’t get it right all the time and it’s important that they realise if a mistake has been made you need to admit to it and make an apology.
Try very hard not to compare...I am bad at this but each child is different.
Make sure you always have time to listen, take part in your child’s life and be ready to make sacrifices.

Don't forget to be you, make sure you do not become just a mum

Listen to other peoples advice but do it your own way that best suits you and your situation!

Trust your instinct

I always ask my ds, at the end of the day, what his favourite / worst part of the day was. He opens up to me more that way.

"It's just a phase" also helps when times are tough

The best advice that I received from my mother & Grandma was to get my DC into a routine as young as possible, mainly when it comes to bedtime. I took their advice and so glad I did, I've got three DC'S who have all been really good sleepers and in their own beds which is a bonus!. Another was 'trust your own instincts' and that is also true.

My mum always said when going to someones house that you are going to see the cabbage not the cabbage patch. A bit inappropriate these days but still relavent and the best of advice

It's better to be safe than sorry!

Always try to understand why.

Make memories, forgive often and love with all your heart. They are children for such a little time. Cherish every single moment.

you are good enough

The best advice I have been given is to never let your child tell you something without your attention. Such as i am busy cooking dinner and getting the washing on and replying to a friends message all at the same time, my daughter comes in from playing and is hurt by something and i dont stop to give her my attention, she will feel lonely and deflated that i havent listened. If you just stop for a second and always give eye contact, even if it is impossible for you to stop what your doing you say comfortingly 'once mum has finished this job i will come and sit in the lounge with you and talk it over on how to make you feel better' as a child who is listened to is a child who grows confident enough to talk to you about anything no matter how big or small

to take on board well-meaning advice and read all the books and articles that you want but at the end of the day, trust your own instinct, you are the expert on your child and you know a lot more that you realise.