What was the most prophetic piece of parenting advice ever given to you?

**cab54** · 10-14-2008, 10:49 AM

You can't hold/hug/kiss them too much.

**Brat** · 10-14-2008, 08:19 PM

when my first child was born I was told "You will pay for your raiseing now". As time went by a neighbor told me one day that they will step on your toes when they are little and they will step on your heart when they grow up...

**jamie79** · 10-14-2008, 10:42 PM

You cant always be fair and you shouldnt be

**elphie** · 10-15-2008, 08:37 AM

Originally Posted by jamie79

You cant always be fair and you shouldnt be

I agree but we word it a little differently to help the kids understand it better. We live by the "fair doesn't mean equal" code. When my kids start to complain that something isn't fair because it isn't the same I tell them they can have everything EXACTLY the same if they think that would be fair. That means wearing the same clothes (even though they are different genders and sizes), eating the same foods (even though they have different likes and different allergies so they would have to cut out the foods their siblings can't have as well as ones they can't have), the same exact friends, the same toys, books, etc. They usually catch on pretty fast that this wouldn't be much fun and it helps illustrate that everyone gets what is right for them at this moment, not necessarily what everyone else gets. It is still fair because everyone's individuality is taken into account and no one's needs are considered more important than anyone else's.

**MoonMommy** · 10-15-2008, 09:07 AM

My friend told me once "you do what you have to in order to get through the day." I try to remember that and pass it on because it allows us as mothers/parents to realize that WE aren't going to be at our best everyday and if we need to put in a video in order to nap away a headache or if we need to bring the kids to bed with us in order to get some sleep, than do what you need to do to get you through and forgive yourself for being human too.

My own personal belief is you should pick the time that is right for you as a parent to fight the "battles". Don't listen to what the "experts" say or what your family and friends say...you know your kids best and you know what you, yourself, can handle (stress wise) so, YOU decide when you are going to tackle those big events like potty training, etc. Like someone else said...they won't graduate in diapers.

**faw42077** · 10-15-2008, 10:15 AM

Originally Posted by snowangel

Take this pill at the same time everyday.

Sorry, I just couldn't help myself!

That is too funny!

Mine would have to be: Pick your battles!

Once I let this one sink in things became alot easier.

**FrugalFive** · 10-15-2008, 05:39 PM

"Kids are a gift from God, not a trick from the devil."

I repeat this often...outload...anywhere...

**Patty A** · 10-18-2008, 02:46 AM

Remember kids are just little people, with less experience!
also,
While little they are little problems, when they grow they have bigger problems.
(I find this sooooo true! The problems a 12 years old has compared to a 22 year old are much smaller problems when 12!)

It was funny as my mom always said that kids were just as cute at 2 in the morning as they was at 2 in the afternoon. It was something she said to every new mom she seen.

**Jskell911** · 10-18-2008, 09:19 PM

While I was struggling to find out what was going on with my son (He is an Aspie and we had many brush offs and misdiagnosises given), there were time when I felt like it was all my fault and I had no idea how to parent this child given to me.

Then my mom told me something that changed everything. She told me that the bond between me and my son was evident to anyone who sees us. That I may not be the perfect mother, but I am the mother that my son needs to have.

She made me feel so much more confidence in my ability to be the best mother to my son. It gave me the confidence to fight for the right diagnosis, wean him off awful meds against doctor's wishes, and fight for his needs in school.