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

dont argue in front of the children

Don't try to shape your kids to what you want them to be, let them be themselves (within reason),

Don't stress it!!!! Relax and the baby will relax too?!!

Your best is good enough.

Forever being a parent for me is unconditional love and always being there supporting. I have had a lifetime of this from my parents and hope I can do the same great job for our children.

Never miss a chance to show them you are there for them. Put the phone down put the washing up away and look them in the eye when they have something to talk about.

Best advise I receive after a nightmare day with a teething toddler was;

Are they fed, watered and still alive? Then you’ve done a good job for the day

Cherish every moment because they grow up so fast

Our main mantra as our children have grown up is to provide what they need, not necessarily what they want.
Their needs vary (they are all very different), but their needs have also changed as they have grown up. Sometimes its advice, practical help, support, time, things. But always a sense of security: that they are loved without boundary, and that we are here no matter what life throws at them, or what mistakes they make.

That things will get better. When you hit a crisis, it will pass

Its just a phase it will pass relax and enjoy motherhood

Best advice was nod your head and smile but don't listen to anyone!

Good enough is good enough! Always being there to listen and a very tiny little white lie never hurt anyone

To take the time to enjoy them and make the most of their childhood. Before you known it they'll be grown up.

A pre-maternity leave pep talk from my old boss. His dc's were just hitting their teens and he said it had gone by in the blink of an eye.

Hope for the best, prepare for the worst.

I think it is to do with a certain amount of 'letting go' once they're an adult. You can't feel responsible for all their behaviour or decisions all of the time. At a certain point it is up to them, you've done what you can and now it is their turn.

Don't take other people's advice on parenting

Best advice was to go with your instincts. No one else has ever been in your exact situation parenting your child, and sometimes you just need to get on with it and stop worrying.

I found out that the legal requirements for parenting is 'good enough'
Nobody has to be perfect
Good enough is good enough!

Trust your own instincts and make sure you save for their future so they don't struggle

It was to have fun. Life is so harried and hard at times you can forget to have fun. So that what we try to do. Inject some fun even into the mundane stuff.

From my Grandma, many years ago:

1. When you say No, mean No.

2. Never tell them lies.

3. Never break a promise.

The best advice I received, from my DM and others, was that it's all a phase. From the not sleeping to the constantly dressing herself (clothes on top of clothes...), to throwing food around. It all stops eventually.

"If you're going to give in, do it straightaway. Giving in after 20mins of resisting just sends the message that if they whinge for long enough they'll get their own way."

Forever a Parent implies to me that my child will be expected to turn to me for advice at any age. I hope she grows into a strong independent adult who wants my company for friendship, support and simply being there but not always needing my advice. I want her to be able to cultivate a network of support, especially as she is an only child.